Evening diet tips: Foods to avoid for a restful night’s sleep
A good night’s sleep is essential for overall health and well-being, but what you eat in the evening can significantly impact the quality of your rest. Some foods and drinks can disrupt your sleep cycle, leading to restless nights and groggy mornings.
Avoiding certain items during dinner or late-night snacking can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
One of the primary culprits to avoid is caffeine. Found in coffee, tea, chocolate, and some sodas, caffeine is a stimulant that can keep you awake for hours.
Consuming caffeine late in the day can interfere with your ability to fall asleep, so it’s best to stop intake by mid-afternoon.
Similarly, avoid sugary desserts and snacks in the evening. Sugar spikes your blood sugar levels and provides a quick energy boost, which can lead to wakefulness when you should be winding down.
Another category to steer clear of is spicy or heavy foods. Spicy meals, rich in ingredients like chili or garlic, can cause heartburn or indigestion, making it uncomfortable to lie down.
Similarly, fatty or fried foods take longer to digest and may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort that disturbs your rest. If you’re craving something flavorful, try lighter options with gentle seasonings to keep your digestion on track.
Alcohol is another common disruptor of restful sleep. While it might initially make you feel drowsy, alcohol interferes with your REM sleep, which is crucial for feeling refreshed.