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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.
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.