Having trouble sleeping at night? It could be down to what you’re eating before bedtime. Certain foods can disrupt your sleep patterns, making it harder for you to get the rest you need.
To help, we’ve put together a list of 31 foods to avoid before bedtime, so you can get a better night’s sleep.
Foods High in Fat
Foods high in fat can be difficult to digest and can cause stomach problems, making it harder to sleep. These foods include:.
- Fast food
- Pizza
- Burgers
- Fried chicken
- Ice cream
Caffeine
Caffeine is a stimulant that can keep you awake and make it harder to fall asleep. It’s best to avoid foods with caffeine before bed, including:.
- Coffee
- Tea
- Soda
- Chocolate
Sugar
Sugar can cause a spike in your blood sugar levels, causing you to feel energized and making it harder to fall asleep. Try to avoid foods with added sugar before bed, including:.
- Candy
- Cookies
- Cake
- Donuts
Spicy Foods
Spicy foods can cause heartburn and indigestion, which can make it hard to sleep. Avoid spicy foods before bedtime, such as:.
- Curry
- Chili
- Hot sauce
- Salsa
Alcohol
While alcohol may make you feel sleepy, it can actually cause disruptions in sleep patterns and make it harder to get a good night’s rest. Avoid alcohol before bed, including:.
- Beer
- Wine
- Liquor
High-Protein Foods
High-protein foods can take longer to digest, causing discomfort and making it harder to fall asleep. Avoid high-protein foods before bed, such as:.
- Steak
- Chicken
- Fish
- Eggs
Processed Foods
Processed foods can be high in fat, sugar, and salt, making it harder to get a good night’s sleep. Avoid processed foods before bed, including:.
- Chips
- Candy bars
- Sugary cereals
- Popcorn
Fruit Juice
Fruit juice can be high in sugar, causing a spike in your blood sugar levels and making it harder to fall asleep. Avoid fruit juice before bed, including:.
- Orange juice
- Grape juice
- Apple juice
- Cranberry juice
Acidic Foods
Acidic foods can cause heartburn and reflux, making it hard to sleep. Avoid acidic foods before bedtime, including:.
- Tomatoes
- Citrus fruits
- Vinegar-based dressings
- Pickles
Heavy Meals
Large, heavy meals can take longer to digest and cause discomfort, making it harder to fall asleep. Avoid heavy meals before bed, including:.
- Pasta dishes
- Steak and potatoes
- Fast food meals
- Casseroles
By avoiding these 31 foods before bedtime, you can improve your sleep patterns and wake up feeling rested and refreshed.