In addition, protein-rich foods release amino acids into the blood. High-protein foods also affect the digestive process and sleep in a similar way. And when the body is actively digesting food, it cannot power down. High-Protein Foodsįatty foods take longer for the body to digest. However, it is a potent stimulant and can keep some people awake late into the night. This compound is a common ingredient used in preparing Chinese foods as well as refined, packaged foods. Other food additives that may disrupt sleep include preservatives, artificial colors, artificial flavors, texture enhancers, and synthetic antioxidants.Ī common food additive that is known to cause insomnia is MSG (monosodium glutamate). However, artificial sweeteners are not safer. To avoid the health problems associated with sugars, manufacturers sometimes substitute them with artificial sweeteners. Any food with added high fructose corn syrup, or other commercial simple sugars, can increase the body’s energy level and fuel increased brain activity. Sugary foods to avoid range from soda drinks to refined carbohydrates. This makes excess energy available for the body which can cause restlessness.īecause the brain consumes a lot of glucose, a high blood glucose level can keep the brain ticking long after it should have powered down. Simple Sugar and Sweetenersįoods containing simple sugar can cause a big spike in blood glucose levels. Therefore, taking caffeine at night will make you repeatedly get up in the night to urinate.īesides caffeine, chocolate contains other stimulants like sugar, tyramine, and phenylethylamine.

This means that caffeine increases the frequency of urination. Therefore, if you must take caffeine, do it in the morning and never in the evening.īesides the stimulant effects of caffeine, the compound is also a natural diuretic. However, some contend that the stimulant effect of caffeine is still present after 12 hours of consuming it. This means that you should restrict your caffeine intake and avoid taking caffeinated drinks and foods close to bedtime.Įxperts advise that you should not take caffeine products at least 8 hours before going to bed. However, the effect of caffeine can last beyond the period when you need it. It keeps the central nervous system awake by stimulating the release of excitatory neurotransmitters. ChocolateĬaffeine, whether from drinks, pills or chocolate, is one of the causes of insomnia.Ĭaffeine is a psychoactive stimulant. The major foods to avoid in order to sleep better are discussed below. While this study proves that insomnia can cause overeating, there are other studies that have proven that certain foods can also cause insomnia. To further confirm the contribution of this molecule to insomnia-induced overeating, the researchers found that the level of this compound was at its highest during the early afternoon and at its lowest in the middle of the sleep cycle. Therefore, the researchers concluded that 2-arachidonolyglycerol was at least partly responsible for the overeating observed in people who usually do not have sufficient sleep. This molecule was shown to be involved in the feeling of enjoyment and reward derived from eating.

The researchers found that in the sleep-deprived participants, the blood levels of a molecule known as 2-arachidonoylglycerol was significantly higher than normal Researchers from the University of Chicago noted a key difference between young adults who were only allowed to sleep 4 ½ hours for a night and those who got their normal hours of sleep. Only recently did scientists find an explanation for this strange relationship. This quickly leads to a vicious cycle of sleeplessness which is commonly diagnosed as chronic insomnia.ĭifferent studies have established that sleep deprivation increases hunger and appetite.

Unfortunately, if your poor dietary choices lead to sleeplessness, there is a very good chance that your insomnia can also perpetuate the same bad choices in food. While some foods can promote sleep, others may contribute to insomnia. Sleep and foods have a rather curious interplay. This article discusses the major foods (and eating habits) you should avoid to sleep better at night. Therefore, if you suffer from insomnia, then you should consider making dietary changes to help your body learn to shut down at night.

In addition, studies have shown that sleep deprivation can harm the body in different ways. Foods that make you stay awake at night can make you gain excessive weight by encouraging a habit of nighttime binging and daytime overeating as well. Foods can help you sleep or keep you up late at night.

Foods that help you stay awake