To eat a bedtime snack or not to eat a bedtime snack?
That’s the question.
On the one hand, going to bed on an empty stomach canactivate cortisol, the stress hormone.
But on the other, eating certain foods too close to bedtime can disrupt your sleep, too.
Which is not exactly something you want right before your head hits the pillow.
Alcohol
Stefanski notes that alcohol is well known for disrupting sleep, andplenty of research1confirms this.
This includes everything from sugar to grains, certain dairy and meat products, and baked goods.
Check out ourcomprehensive guide to acidic foodsfor more information.
Carbonated beverages, Stefanski explains, can also disrupt digestion.
Eating larger lunches and lighter dinners tends to help promote sleep.
You may even consider time-restricted eating, which has been shown to help peoplesleep through the entire night.
What to eat instead.
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The takeaway.
If you’re experiencing sleep issues, try cutting the aforementioned food and beverage groups from your nightly diet.
When you do reach for a bedtime snack, instead go for magnesium-rich, sleep-supporting snacks.
