Sleep disruptors: Foods to avoid before bedtime

Many factors contribute to the quality of a good night's rest. Lisa M. Cannon, M.D., shares that what a person does and consumes for the whole day may affect sleep. The sleep medicine doctor shares some foods to avoid before bedtime.

Spicy or acidic food: Eating food with capsicum and other spices a few hours before bedtime can affect a person's sleep. It can trigger heartburn, which worsens when one is lying down. For those who enjoy Mexican or Asian dishes, it's safe to consume these foods at least four hours before bedtime.

Chocolate, coffee, tea, and soda: While most people have made a habit of saying no to coffee after 3 or 4 pm, they still end up staying up all night because they have consumed caffeine found in chocolates, tea, and soda. Lisa M. Cannon, M.D., advises her patients to know the ingredients in food to steer clear from caffeine. Aside from the stimulant, these can also increase blood sugar.

Deep fried foods: French fries, fried chicken, and other deep-fried treats can be tempting choices for a midnight snack, but it can wake up the body afterward. These high-fat foods can be more difficult to digest and can also trigger heartburn. Those who want uninterrupted sleep without chest and tummy discomfort should skip these foods at night.

Meat: A steak sounds good for dinner. However, the protein content found in meat can be hard to digest too close to bedtime. For those who experience hyperacidity and heartburn, these foods can also trigger the discomfort. The safest bet for meat lovers is to enjoy their favorites for early dinner. Pairing the meal with vegetables will also help regulate blood sugar before bedtime.

Lisa M. Cannon, M.D., is a board-certified physician specializing in pulmonary disease, critical care, and sleep medicine. She obtained her medical degree from New York Medical College and received her board certifications in critical care in 1998, in internal medicine in 2006, and pulmonary disease in 2007. For reads like this, visit this page.