Counting Calories and Sheep: 19 Foods That Interfere with Sleep
We all know the importance of a good night’s sleep for our overall health and well-being. But with busy schedules, stress, and other factors, getting quality sleep can be a challenge. Many people turn to counting calories and other techniques to improve their sleep, but what they may not realize is that their food choices could be sabotaging their efforts.
In this blog post, we will explore 19 common foods that can interfere with sleep, and why it’s important to pay attention to what we eat before bedtime.
1. Caffeine
It’s no surprise that caffeine makes the list. This stimulant can stay in our system for up to 6 hours, making it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. Avoiding caffeine after 2pm is recommended for a better night’s rest.
2. Alcohol
While alcohol may make us feel drowsy and help us fall asleep faster, it can actually disrupt our sleep cycle and cause us to wake up frequently throughout the night.
3. Spicy Foods
Spicy foods can cause heartburn and indigestion, making it difficult to get comfortable and fall asleep. They can also increase body temperature, which can interfere with our natural sleep patterns.
4. High-Fat Foods
Foods high in fat, such as fried foods and fatty meats, take longer to digest and can cause discomfort and disrupt sleep. It’s best to avoid these types of foods at least 2-3 hours before bedtime.
5. Sugary Foods
Consuming sugary foods before bedtime can cause a spike in blood sugar levels, leading to restlessness and difficulty falling asleep. Opt for healthier snacks like fruit or nuts instead.
6. Processed Foods
Processed foods are often high in sodium, which can cause bloating and discomfort, making it difficult to get comfortable and fall asleep.
7. Red Meat
Red meat is high in protein and can take longer to digest, causing discomfort and disrupting sleep. It’s best to avoid red meat at dinner time and opt for lean protein sources instead.
8. Aged Cheese
Aged cheeses, such as cheddar and parmesan, contain tyramine, an amino acid that can cause the release of norepinephrine in the brain, making it difficult to fall asleep.
Counting Calories and Sheep: 19 Foods That Interfere with Sleep
9. Dark Chocolate
While dark chocolate is often touted as a healthier alternative to milk chocolate, it still contains caffeine and can disrupt sleep if consumed close to bedtime.
10. Energy Drinks
Similar to caffeine, energy drinks can keep us alert and make it difficult to fall asleep, even hours after consumption. It’s best to avoid them altogether or limit intake to earlier in the day.
11. Soda
Soda contains caffeine and sugar, both of which can interfere with sleep. Opt for water or herbal tea instead.
12. Tomato-Based Foods
Tomatoes are high in acidity and can cause heartburn and discomfort, making it difficult to fall asleep. This includes tomato-based foods such as pizza and pasta sauce.
13. Citrus Fruits
Like tomatoes, citrus fruits are acidic and can cause heartburn and discomfort, disrupting sleep. It’s best to avoid them before bedtime.
14. Beans
Beans are high in fiber and can cause bloating and discomfort, making it difficult to get comfortable and fall asleep.
15. Broccoli
Broccoli, as well as other cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower and Brussels sprouts, are high in fiber and can cause bloating and discomfort, making it difficult to sleep.
16. Ice Cream
Ice cream is high in sugar and fat, which can cause a spike in blood sugar levels and disrupt sleep. Opt for a healthier dessert option, such as Greek yogurt with fruit.
17. Cherries
While cherries may seem like a healthy snack, they actually contain melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. Eating them too close to bedtime can interfere with our natural sleep patterns.
18. Nuts
Nuts are high in protein and can take longer to digest, causing discomfort and disrupting sleep. It’s best to avoid them before bedtime.
19. Fatty Fish
Fatty fish, such as salmon and tuna, are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for our health. However, they can also cause acid reflux and disrupt sleep if consumed too close to bedtime.
In conclusion, while counting calories and other techniques can help improve our sleep, it’s important to pay attention to the types of foods we consume before bedtime. Avoiding caffeine and alcohol, as well as high-fat, sugary, and processed foods, can greatly improve our sleep quality. Instead, opt for healthier options that won’t interfere with our natural sleep patterns.