Learning about the food and drink items that keep you awake at night prevents you from choosing any disruptive selections before going to bed.
Getting adequate quality sleep is critical for general wellness. After all, prolonged sleep deprivation may make you irritable, anxious, or on edge. Many things, including your eating habits, may make falling and staying asleep difficult. Learning what food and drink items keep you awake at night gives you an idea of what to avoid before tucking yourself in.
Anything With Caffeine
Everyone can relate to a 3:00 p.m. lull hitting them hard. Although it might help you stay alert in that two-hour window, it may negatively affect falling asleep later that night, particularly if you’re traveling. Luckily, avoiding caffeine can help you avoid travel-related insomnia, and there are many ways to treat it.
Drinks and even food with caffeine act as stimulants for the central nervous system, and it can be challenging for your body to calm down before hitting the hay. Avoiding soda, coffee, chocolate, tea, and energy drinks is key.
Fatty Foods
Chalk up another reason why you should limit eating fatty foods. Food higher in fat, specifically saturated fat, will have you tossing and turning more than normal. Indulging in a late-night burger or piece of fried chicken may satisfy your rumbling tummy, but falling asleep could be a problem.
There are many theories as to why this happens. However, the consensus is that it throws your digestive track out of whack when it needs to be in a state of rest.
Processed Foods
Processed foods are good in a pinch, assuming you don’t have the time to make a fresh meal. However, continually scarfing down processed foods can lead to sleep deprivation. Unnatural ingredients, such as added sugar, refined carbs, and trans fats, can deter your circadian rhythm.
Not to mention, it’s an unhealthy way of living that can lead to obesity. Many sleep-related problems come with being obese, including an elevated risk of heart disease and suffering from obstructive sleep apnea.
Spicy Dishes
For those who like it spicy, try to eat your meals at a healthy hour or ask for trouble. The acids in the spicy dish you consume can affect your esophagus, keeping you up at the odd ends of the night. Heartburn can wreak havoc if you’re trying to digest chili peppers. Lastly, eating spicy foods can elevate your body temperature. And if you run hot while you sleep, you might be in a world of trouble.
Alcoholic Beverages
Many folks like to unwind with an alcoholic beverage after a tumultuous day. While that’s an understandable sentiment, it might increase your anxiety and may not be in your best interest if you want to fall and stay asleep. Yes, alcohol may make you feel tired; however, it also can disrupt your natural sleep cycle as your blood alcohol levels return to normal.
If you are in a continuous state of tiredness, you must avoid the food and drink items that keep you up at night. Your body will thank you forever.
