What are some of the foods that can hinder deep sleep?

Along with a balanced diet and exercise, sleep is also part of the formula for optimum health. Sleep medicine specialist Lisa M. Cannon, M.D., shares some of the foods that can hinder a person from getting uninterrupted shuteye.

Spicy foods: Consuming spicy foods before bedtime can increase the acidity in the body. It can also lead to heartburn that can make sleeping even more uncomfortable. For those who enjoy chili peppers and exotic spices in their meals, perhaps it's better to avoid such spicy dishes several hours before bedtime.

Deep-fried foods: A late-night snack from a takeout restaurant or a fast food joint can activate digestion that might disrupt a person in the middle of deep sleep. High-fat foods can also cause heartburn, which might make a person feel heavy before bedtime. For those who need to eat something before going to bed, going for warm milk or crackers might be a good alternative.

Chocolate and other sweet treats: A spike in a person's blood sugar might make them feel energized even when it's time to sleep, according to Lisa M. Cannon, M.D. Those who want to feel rested a few hours before bedtime should skip the chocolate if they want to get straight hours of quality shuteye.

Meat: Consume meat at least three to four hours before bedtime. It might take a while for the body to digest proteins, which can make a person feel less sleepy when it's time for bed. It will be helpful to cut back on the red meat during dinner time to prepare the body to go into deep sleep mode.

Lisa M. Cannon, M.D., is a New Jersey-based physician. She earned her degree in medicine from New York Medical College. She has board certifications in critical care medicine, internal medicine, and pulmonary disease. Her practice focuses on pulmonary and respiratory medicine and sleep medicine. For similar reading materials, visit this blog.