Do you have trouble falling asleep at night? It might be caused by some of your late-night eating. Here are the foods you shouldn’t eat before bed.
1. Dark Chocolate (or anything with caffeine)
Dark chocolate contains both caffeine and theobromine. Caffeine can cause alertness and the jitters – in large amounts while theobromine can increase your heart rate and also cause restlessness. All of which will make it harder to fall asleep if taken even 6 hours before bed.
2. Foods high in protein
Consuming foods high in protein stimulates orexin in your brain which helps control when feel hungry or sleepy. One study found that injecting mice with orexin made them more active. While other studies revealed that people who don’t have enough orexin can suffer from narcolepsy.
3. Alcohol
Alcohol can reduce rapid eye movement (rem) sleep – which is when we dream. Disruptions can cause drowsiness and poor concentration. Alcohol is also a diuretic agent, so you might need to get up and pee in the middle of the night. And if you’re not already hydrated you’re going to have pee more after just one beer.
4. Fatty and spicy foods
Fatty and spicy foods can trigger unpleasant heartburn. This can prevent you from going to sleep and wake you up in the middle of the night. So don’t eat bacon if you’re going to go to bed soon.