TV9
user profile
Sign In

By signing in or creating an account, you agree with Associated Broadcasting Company's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

5 Foods to avoid consuming at night for good sleep

Eating the wrong foods at night can disrupt sleep and leave you feeling restless. Here are some foods that must be avoided, which may cause indigestion and energy spikes. Check the list here and try not to consume these foods before bedtime.

Foods to avoid consuming at night for good sleep (Photo credit: Pinterest)
Foods to avoid consuming at night for good sleep (Photo credit: Pinterest)
| Updated on: Jul 29, 2025 | 02:54 PM
Share
Trusted Source

New Delhi: A good night's sleep is essential for overall health, happiness and maintaining a fit body. What you eat before bedtime can adversely affect or benefit your body and sleep quality. While some foods are a rich source of relaxation and relieve stress, some foods can be harmful to the body, causing restlessness, discomfort, and poor-quality sleep. Avoiding certain foods at night can help you sleep more peacefully and wake up refreshed.

Foods such as caffeine, alcohol, and highly processed and sugary foods are some of the worst foods that can cause disruption in sleep and may lead to an even worse situation if not stopped or controlled timely. For a better night’s sleep, opt for light, nutrient-rich meals in the evening, such as warm milk, herbal tea, bananas, or nuts. By avoiding heavy, sugary, and stimulating foods before bed, you can improve your sleep quality and wake up feeling rejuvenated. 

Also Read

Foods to avoid before bedtime for good sleep

1. Caffinated beverages

Caffeine is a stimulant that keeps you awake by blocking sleep-inducing chemicals in the brain. It increases alertness and energy, making it harder to relax before bedtime. You must opt for herbal teas like chamomile and peppermint, which help you sleep better.

Why avoid?

  • Caffeine stays in the system for 4–6 hours, delaying sleep.
  • It increases heart rate and stress levels, leading to restlessness.
  • It reduces deep sleep, making you feel tired in the morning.

2. Spicy foods

Foods such as tomatoes, chillies and citrus fruits may trigger acid reflux, making you feel uncomfortable and irritated. They also raise body temperature, which interferes with the natural cooling process needed for sleep.

Why avoid?

  • Spicy and acidic foods cause heartburn and discomfort.
  • They stimulate metabolism, making the body more active at night.
  • They may lead to night sweats and disturbed sleep.

3. Fried foods

Greasy and high-fat foods take longer to digest, keeping the digestive system active when it should be at rest. This can lead to bloating, stomach discomfort, and poor sleep quality. Eat only home-cooked meals which are light and nutritious.

Why avoid?

  • High-fat foods slow digestion, causing discomfort.
  • They trigger acid reflux and indigestion.
  • They may contribute to weight gain, which is linked to sleep disorders.

4. Sugary foods

While sweets may seem to comfort you on your low days, when you feel in a bad mood, they may cause a spike in your blood sugar level, leading to energy bursts and disrupted sleep patterns, which can further lead to more discomfort. You can opt for bananas, warm milk and dates, which are great to help you sleep naturally and relaxed.

Why avoid?

  • Sugar increases alertness, making it harder to fall asleep.
  • It leads to blood sugar crashes, causing night-time wake-ups.
  • Chocolate contains caffeine, which further disrupts sleep.

5. Alcohol

Many people believe that alcohol helps with sleep, but it actually disrupts sleep cycles and reduces REM sleep, the most restorative stage of sleep. Drink warm milk or herbal tea to relax before bed.

Why avoid?

  • Alcohol causes frequent wake-ups during the night.
  • It leads to dehydration and grogginess the next morning.
  • It increases snoring and sleep apnea risk.

Your diet plays an important role in making you sleep well; avoiding foods that can cause disruption in sleep is a great way to improve the quality of sleep. Choose lightweight, nutritious foods like herbal teas, yoghurt, bananas, or nuts for a restful night’s sleep.

{{ articles_filter_432_widget.title }}