Your late-night food choices can significantly impact your sleep quality. Some foods, even if healthy at other times, can cause digestive issues, heartburn, and disrupt your sleep cycle. For instance, spicy food contains capsaicin, which gives it its hot taste and can make it difficult to fall asleep. The acidity of fruits like oranges can also cause heartburn, especially if you lie down immediately after eating them. Legumes, high in fiber, can lead to gas and bloating, creating discomfort when trying to sleep. Dark chocolate, despite its benefits, contains caffeine and theobromine, which stimulate the nervous system and hinder sleep. Dried fruits, while not harmful in small amounts, are a concentrated source of sugar and calories, which can negatively affect sleep. Fatty foods like burgers and pizza take longer to digest, increasing the risk of heartburn and leading to fragmented sleep. Sweet cereals, ice cream, and chips are high in sugar, saturated fats, and sodium, causing blood sugar spikes and increasing the risk of insomnia. It's important to make mindful choices for your evening meal to maintain good health and restful sleep.
