Do you know what is good to eat before going to bed and which food should be avoided? Have you ever noticed that your afternoon coffee (or the wine you had with dinner) keeps you up long into the night? You probably are. What about chocolate? That's right, in addition to cups of fragrant coffee and glasses of your favorite rosé, certain foods can also affect the quality of your sleep. So check what is good to eat before going to bed and what food is better to avoid a few hours before going to bed.
Have you eaten before bed? If you like to have something to nibble on before going to bed, don't worry, because the rule that we shouldn't eat at least two hours before going to bed doesn't always apply. In addition to the food that will keep us awake for a long time, there is also food that will help us sleep soundly. Are you wondering which category of these chocolate is in? Read on to find out what is good to eat before bed and what foods to avoid...
READ MORE: Coffee nap: coffee + nap for the best restorative sleep
Anything spicy
Your favorite Thai food home delivery should wait until the next day, as it is not good to eat curries and similar hot dishes in the evening. These can cause acid reflux, which leads to discomfort while trying to fall asleep. Eat hot food for lunch, and in the evening treat yourself to something that does not burden your stomach.
Bacon
If you want to sleep, give up a hamburger with a pile of bacon in the evening. The combination of protein (problematic for digestion) and high fat content (stimulates the production of acid in the stomach) in bacon will definitely not make your sleep easier.
Ripe cheeses
Fragrant aged cheeses usually contain tyramine, an amino acid that stimulates extra brain activity, making it difficult to fall asleep. Rather have cheese for breakfast, when increased brain activity is more than welcome.
Chocolate
Before you bite into a piece of delicious chocolate before bed, remember that milk chocolate contains the stimulant tyrosine. Unlike milk chocolate, you can eat dark chocolate day and night. Dark chocolate has the opposite effects of milk chocolate, as it contains more serotonin, which relaxes the body.
Ginseng tea
In the evening, you will be lulled into a peaceful sleep by herbal teas, of which Asian ginseng tea is definitely not among them, which is known for its invigorating effects. Chamomile tea and lemon balm or mint tea are among the teas that will put you to sleep the fastest.
Dairy Products
It is no coincidence that your grandmother served you a glass of warm milk before bed. Namely, milk contains sleep-inducing tryptophan, which in combination with carbohydrates turns into a real sleep-inducing drink. In the evening, you can enjoy a cheese spread with toast and cereal with milk without a bad conscience.
Nuts
Almonds and walnuts contain a selection of nutrients that stimulate the production of melatonin (a nap enhancer). In addition, they are a very nutritious and healthy alternative to desserts that are full of sugar and unhealthy fats.
Jasmine rice
With a higher glycemic index than other types of rice, jasmine rice lulls you into a sweet sleep. After consuming a bowl of jasmine rice, you will experience a slight rise in blood sugar, which will disappear as your body switches to sleep mode.
Cherry juice
Fruit juices contain a lot of sugar, which prevents good sleep. However, you don't have to avoid all fruit juices before bed, as slightly sour cherry juice actually stimulates the production of the darkness hormone melatonin.
Bananas
Bananas contain a lot of magnesium and potassium, which calm the muscles and nervous system. Bananas are also a rich source of vitamin B6, which provides excellent relaxation before bed.
