Some foods can seriously mess with your sleep. If you're tossing and turning and counting sheep instead of getting shut-eye, it might be time to rethink what's on your plate. Here are some foods you’ll want to avoid if you want to sleep like a baby.
1. Spicy Foods
Ah, a nice curry to finish the day – sounds good, right? Well, not so fast! Spicy foods might cause a bit of heartburn or indigestion that will keep you up at night. Plus, they raise your body temperature, which makes it harder to cool down and fall into a deep sleep. Far from ideal when you're trying to drift off peacefully.
Tip: Go for something lighter and less fiery for dinner. A bit of plain grilled chicken or a veggie stir-fry could do wonders and your stomach will thank you.
2. Fatty Foods
Fried food, greasy snacks and processed meats might be delicious (we’ve all been there), but they’re not doing you any favours when it comes to sleep. These foods are harder for your digestive system to process, meaning your body is still working overtime while you're trying to snooze. Plus, fatty foods are prime suspects for causing acid reflux, which is the last thing you want when you're trying to get comfy.
Tip: Try swapping out that greasy kebab for lean proteins like grilled chicken or fish.
3. Heavy or Large Meals
Eating a massive meal right before bed? Well, that’s like trying to run a marathon after a big plate of spaghetti. Your body is too busy trying to digest all that food, leaving you uncomfortable and restless. This can lead to bloating, indigestion and even acid reflux – all guaranteed to keep you up.
Tip: Try to leave at least two to three hours between your last meal and bedtime. A small, light dinner can help you feel comfortable and ready for bed.
4. High-Sugar Foods
If you have a sweet tooth, you're not alone. But those sugary snacks can cause blood sugar spikes, followed by a rapid drop, which can leave you tossing and turning during the night. Plus, if you're too wired from a sugar rush, falling asleep could be a struggle.
Tip: Satisfy your sweet cravings with fruit or a handful of nuts. They’ll help keep your blood sugar steady and are way better for your sleep than the biscuit tin.
5. Chocolate
We know, we know – chocolate is a dream come true. But the problem is, it’s packed with caffeine and theobromine, both of which can keep you wide awake. Even small amounts of chocolate can interfere with your sleep, especially if you’re indulging late in the evening.
Tip: Treat yourself to chocolate earlier in the day, not before bed. Your cravings can still be satisfied, and you’ll get a better night’s sleep. It’s a win-win.
6. Refined Carbs
White bread, pastries and other refined carbs are quickly broken down into sugar by your body, which can cause blood sugar levels to spike and crash. This fluctuation in energy can disrupt your sleep cycle and leave you feeling tired in the morning.
Tip: Choose whole grains instead – brown rice, quinoa, or wholemeal bread. Not only will they help keep your energy steady, but your sleep will improve too.
7. High-Salt Foods
We get it – chips, crisps and processed snacks are hard to resist. But too much salt can leave you feeling bloated and dehydrated. It can also raise your blood pressure, which isn’t exactly the recipe for a restful sleep. You don’t want to spend the night feeling like you're on a beach with a mouth full of sand.
Tip: Try to avoid salty foods in the hours before bed and opt for fresh, unprocessed meals. Your body will thank you in the morning.
8. Processed Meats
Bacon, sausages and deli meats are the culprits here. They’re often high in fat, salt, and preservatives, which can affect digestion and lead to sleep disturbances. If you're prone to acid reflux, these fatty, processed meats will only make it worse.
Tip: Choose leaner and cleaner cuts of meat.
Final Thoughts
Your sleep quality is closely tied to what you eat – so if you’ve been struggling to get a solid night’s rest, it might be time to adjust your diet.
So, next time you're tempted to dig into a late-night pizza or indulge in one too many processed snacks, remember: your dreams will thank you for making a few healthier choices!
To learn more about how REM-Fit can help you achieve better sleep, please email us at sales@rem-fit.co.uk.Adv
