Do you have problems with insomnia and can't find the cause? You think that everything is fine with you, you are not stressed, you are not worried, you train and enjoy life - but sleep is still a problem.
Did you know that food also affects the quality of your sleep? Have you already checked your diet, which may be the reason you can't sleep at night.
Here are 10 different foods you should avoid when making dinner if you want to preserve your sleep.
Spicy food
Spicy food usually has its fans and people who don't like it at all - and if you're one of those fans, don't eat it right before bed. In fact, very spicy food causes heartburn and digestive problems, which only worsen when lying down. Because of this, you will definitely not be able to sleep carefree. So, if you have already decided to eat spicy food, do it in the afternoon.
Never eat hot food before going to bed. Photo: Ryan Quintal/UnsplashSmoked meat and cheese
Cheese and smoked meats, such as sirloin or cured neck, contain tyramine, an amino acid that triggers activity in the brain that makes you feel full of energy. But energy is not what you need before bed. Although smoked meat and cheese are good food for a special dinner, they can also be eaten during a light breakfast, after which you will sleep soundly at night.
Coffee
If you are sensitive to the effects of caffeine, it is recommended not to drink coffee six hours before bedtime, and if you really want to boost your energy, it is better to drink a cup of green tea. It also contains caffeine, but to a much lesser extent and will be more pleasant for your body if you are prone to anxiety.
Tomato sauce and tomatoes are also not foods that will make you sleepy. Photo: Dennis Klein/UnsplashTomatoes and tomato sauce
Pasta with tomato sauce is a perfect meal for culinary delights for dinner, but we suggest that you do not eat it right before bed. Tomatoes, i.e. tomato sauce, like smoked meats and cheese, contain the amino acid tyramine, which speeds up the functioning of your brain and makes you alert and energetic. So no spaghetti before bed!
Dark chocolate
We often forget that dark chocolate contains caffeine, so if you like to treat yourself to something sweet before bed, it is very likely that this is the reason for insomnia. Maybe you'd rather have some milk chocolate cubes. The dark one, which contains a higher percentage of cocoa, is enjoyed during the day.
Alcohol
You have a glass or two of wine at a party, then you come home and go straight to bed. It's true that you can fall asleep faster, but the problem is that you won't be able to sleep for long, because the alcohol will break down in your body and wake you up. Also, for the same reason, after drinking, you wake up tired and feel like you didn't sleep enough.
Pizza
Did we mention that tomato sauce is not good to eat before bed because of the amino acid that will wake you up? If you've opted for that pizza with hot peppers on it, you've definitely eaten a combination of ingredients that will keep you up late into the night. Say pizza for dinner - no.
you can't believe it, it's true, even pizza won't bring you sleep. Photo: Quin Engle / UnsplashSoda
Soda contains caffeine, but also a lot of sugar - this will break down in your body and will not give you peace. So soda before bed, no way!
Foods full of sugar
Sweet snacks are always an attractive option, but they are better eaten during the day or with some productive activity than before bed. Remove chocolate, candies or any sweets from the evening menu.
Citrus fruits
And finally, believe it or not - even citrus fruits affect sleep. In fact, they are diuretics, which means you may have to go to the bathroom more than once during the night.
