It’s late at night, and you’re feeling a bit peckish. The idea of raiding the fridge for a snack pops up in your head. But wait, you’re about to head to bed.

The age-old advice has always been to avoid eating before bedtime, but is it true? Should you go to bed with an empty stomach?.

The answer is no. Eating before bed is perfectly okay, as long as you’re choosing the right kind of food. Eating certain foods before bedtime can actually help you sleep better and even prevent those midnight cravings.

In this article, we’ll be talking about what to eat before bed to satisfy your hunger and keep you feeling full all night long.

Why Do You Get Midnight Cravings?

So, why do you feel the urge to snack late at night? Experts say that cravings are often a result of our body’s natural hunger hormone ghrelin. Ghrelin is a hormone in our body that signals our brain when it’s time to eat.

However, it’s also a hormone that can be influenced by stress, lack of sleep, and other outside factors. When we don’t get enough sleep, our ghrelin levels rise, causing us to feel hungry, especially late at night.

Another reason why we might get midnight cravings is that we’re not eating enough during the day. Skimping on breakfast, lunch, or dinner can leave us feeling hungry and wanting to snack late at night.

What Foods to Avoid Before Bed?

First, let’s start with the foods that you should avoid before bed. Foods that are high in sugar, caffeine, or have a lot of spices can affect your sleep and cause you to stay awake. So, it’s best to avoid them.

Here are some foods to avoid before bedtime:.

1. Chocolate

While chocolate can be a tempting snack, it’s best to avoid it before bed. Chocolate contains caffeine and can keep you awake all night long.

2. Spicy Foods

Spicy foods can cause acid reflux or heartburn, which can make it difficult to sleep comfortably. So, it’s best to avoid them before bedtime.

3. Fatty Foods

Fatty foods like burgers, fries, and pizza take longer to digest, which can cause indigestion and disrupt your sleep.

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What Foods to Eat Before Bed?

Now that you know what to avoid, let’s talk about what to eat before bed. The right kind of food can help you sleep better and keep you feeling full all night long. Here are some foods to eat before bed:.

1. Dairy

Certain dairy products like yogurt, milk, and cheese contain tryptophan, an amino acid that helps you sleep. Tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and helps you feel relaxed.

2. Whole Grains

Whole grains like oatmeal, quinoa, and brown rice are a great source of complex carbohydrates that provide a steady release of energy throughout the night.

3. Nuts

Almonds, walnuts, and pistachios contain magnesium, a mineral that promotes relaxation, and can help you fall asleep faster.

4. Fruits

Fruits like cherries, bananas, and kiwis are rich in vitamins and minerals that support sleep. Cherries, in particular, contain melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep.

Other Tips for a Better Night’s Sleep

Eating the right food before bed is just one way to improve your sleep. Here are some additional tips to help you get a better night’s sleep:.

: 1. Turn off electronics

Turn off your phone, tablet, or laptop at least an hour before bedtime. The blue light emitted from these devices can disrupt your body’s natural production of melatonin, making it difficult to fall asleep.

: 2. Keep a consistent sleep schedule

Try to keep a consistent sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day. This helps regulate your internal clock and can improve the quality of your sleep.

: 3. Create a relaxing bedtime routine

Create a relaxing bedtime routine by taking a bath, reading a book, or listening to calming music. This can help you wind down and prepare your body for sleep.