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Eating before sleep – yes or no?

5 marca 2023
Eating before bed, heavy dinner, how long before bed to eat dinner
Eating before bedtime has a significant impact not only on our well-being but also on our ability to fall asleep. That is why establishing proper sleep hygiene is crucial for achieving healthy and rejuvenating sleep. It's not just the quantity of sleep that matters, but also its quality, which can be influenced by our daily habits, including what we eat in the evening.

Consuming meals right before bedtime directly leads to significant difficulties in falling asleep, indigestion, and gastroesophageal reflux, and negatively affects the overall sleep quality. Eating before bed can contribute to unhealthy weight gain as the body burns calories less efficiently at rest.

By choosing appropriate snacks before bedtime, we can ensure a peaceful and restorative sleep. Avoiding heavy, fatty meals can prevent indigestion and the associated feeling of heaviness, which can disrupt sleep. Instead, opt for light snacks that are easily digestible and provide the necessary nutrients.

Properly chosen evening meals can also impact our morning well-being. Some products, such as bananas or almonds, contain ingredients that help with relaxation and sleep regulation. Taking care of a healthy diet generally affects the sleep quality, and eating before bed can disrupt the body's natural processes.
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Does eating before bed really harm you?

Most studies conducted directly indicate that eating before bed can indeed have a negative impact on our health. Consuming meals immediately before bedtime leads to an increase in blood sugar levels and consequently, an increased production of insulin, which in turn hinders our ability to fall asleep and contributes to the development of sleep problems.
 

Furthermore, eating before bed increases the production of stomach acid, which can result in heartburn and indigestion. During sleep, our body slows down the digestion process, and consuming a meal late in the evening disrupts this natural rhythm, which can lead to gastrointestinal issues.
 

Therefore, eating before bed does indeed harm our health and sleep quality. If we want to avoid sleep problems, we should try to avoid consuming meals right before going to bed. Instead, it is advisable to have a light meal a few hours before bedtime and opt for healthy snacks that will not negatively affect our well-being and sleep comfort.

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What foods should you avoid before going to sleep?

If you want to avoid difficulties with sleep, including insomnia, it's not only important to limit eating before bed, but also pay attention to the type of foods consumed in the afternoon. Some foods can have a negative impact on our well-being and sleep quality, so it's good to know which products to avoid before going to sleep.
 

One type of food to avoid before bed is greasy and heavy meals. Such meals require a longer time for digestion, which makes it harder for us to fall asleep and can lead to digestive problems. Also, keep in mind that consuming greasy foods increases the level of cholesterol in the blood, which negatively affects overall health.
 

Another product to avoid before bed is beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee, tea, or yerba mate. This also includes various types of energy drinks and cola. This is because the caffeine they contain stimulates the nervous system, making it harder to fall asleep and leading to serious sleep problems. It's generally advisable to limit their consumption, especially in the evening.
 

Products high in sugar should also be avoided before bed. Consuming large amounts of sugar increases the level of glucose in the blood, which makes it harder to fall asleep and can lead to sleep problems. Eating sweets before bed increases the risk of tooth decay and contributes to weight gain.
 

At the same time, it's advisable to avoid consuming too much of foods rich in dietary fiber right before bed, such as some vegetables or fruits, as they can cause excessive bloating and stomach discomfort. If you frequently consume such products, it's best to eat them a few hours before bed to allow your body enough time for proper processing.

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Why does eating before bed worsen your well-being?

Generalnie jedzenie przed snem to temat, który budzi wiele kontrowersji i pytań. Wielu z nas wie, że jedzenie późną porą może prowadzić do bezsenności, ale nie wszyscy wiedzą, dlaczego tak się dzieje. Okazuje się, że spożywanie posiłków bezpośrednio przed snem ma negatywny wpływ na nasze samopoczucie z wielu powodów.
 

Jednym z powodów, dla których jedzenie przed snem pogarsza samopoczucie, jest zwiększenie poziomu cukru we krwi. Spożywanie posiłków tuż przed snem prowadzi do gwałtownego wzrostu stężenia glukozy we krwi, co może prowadzić do zaburzeń snu. Nadto wysoki poziom cukru we krwi negatywnie wpływa na ogólne samopoczucie i zdrowie człowieka.
 

Kolejnym powodem, przez który jedzenie przed snem pogarsza samopoczucie, jest zakłócenie naturalnego rytmu trawienia. Organizm potrzebuje czasu na strawienie posiłku, a jedzenie późnym wieczorem zakłóca ten proces, co prowadzi do problemów żołądkowych oraz znacznego dyskomfortu.
 

Spożywanie posiłków przed snem również prowadzi do zwiększenia produkcji kwasu solnego w żołądku, co może skutkować zgagą oraz niestrawnością. Podczas snu nasze ciało spowalnia proces trawienia, a spożycie posiłku późnym wieczorem zakłóca ten naturalny rytm, co może prowadzić do problemów żołądkowych.

Zwiększa to także ryzyko przybierania na wadze. Spożywanie dużej ilości kalorii przed snem prowadzi do gromadzenia większej ilości tkanki tłuszczowej, co może prowadzić bezpośrednio do nadwagi lub otyłości. Należy jednak podkreślić, że nie tylko ilość kalorii, ale i rodzaj spożywanych produktów ma wpływ na wagę i zdrowie.

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What can you eat before bed to not harm your health?

If you feel like having a snack before bed, there are products that you can consume without worrying about their harmful effects on our health and sleep quality. Here are a few examples of products that you can eat before bed without harming your health.
 

One of the healthiest products you can eat before bed is nuts. Nuts are rich in protein and unsaturated fats, which provide a long-lasting feeling of satiety. Moreover, nuts contain magnesium, which helps alleviate stress and significantly improve sleep quality.
 

Fruits, but not all of them, are another group of products worth reaching for before bed. Apples, pears, and berries are excellent sources of natural sugars with a high content of fiber. This prevents a spike in insulin levels in the blood. These fruits are also rich in vitamins and minerals that have a beneficial effect on health.
 

Low-fat yogurt is also a good choice for a snack before bed. Yogurt contains mainly protein and calcium, which helps maintain an adequate level of blood glucose and, according to some, improves sleep quality. However, it is important to pay attention to the type of yogurt - it is best to choose plain yogurt without added sugar.

It is worth mentioning popcorn, which can also be a good choice for a snack before bed. Popcorn is light and low in calories, while providing us with energy and a feeling of fullness. However, it is recommended to avoid salty or caramelized variants and instead opt for a natural version prepared at home.

Eating before bed, heavy dinner, how long before bed to eat dinner

What are the ways to avoid evening hunger pangs?

Wieczorne napady głodu to problem, z którym boryka się wiele osób. Często okazuje się, że to właśnie nocne podjadanie prowadzi do przybierania na wadze i wielu dolegliwości zdrowotnych. Jest to pierwszym z kroków nie tylko do nadwagi, ale także do cukrzycy czy innych chorób metabolicznych.
 

Jednym z najważniejszych sposobów na uniknięcie napadów głodu wieczorem jest regularne spożywanie posiłków przez cały dzień. Jeśli organizm dostaje odpowiednią ilość składników odżywczych, nie powinien odczuwać potrzeby jedzenia późnym wieczorem. Warto więc starać się jeść regularnie przez cały dzień, a najlepiej co 3-4 godziny. Lepiej jest bowiem zjeść więcej mniejszych posiłków, aniżeli mniej posiłków obfitych.
 

Kolejnym sposobem na uniknięcie napadów głodu wieczorem jest spożywanie posiłków bogatych w białko oraz błonnik pokarmowy. Takie produkty dostarczą organizmowi energii na dłużej oraz zapewnią uczucie sytości. Dobre jest także włączenie do diety produktów bogatych w magnez, który pomaga regulować poziom glukozy we krwi oraz poprawia jakość snu przez dobroczynne działanie na układ nerwowy. Ważne jest także odpowiednie nawodnienie organizmu. Często odczuwamy głód, kiedy organizm jest odwodniony. Dlatego warto pić dużo wody przez cały dzień, a zwłaszcza wieczorem, kiedy odczuwamy głód.
 

Cenionym sposobem na uniknięcie napadów głodu wieczorem jest również regularna aktywność fizyczna. Ćwiczenia pomagają spalić kalorie oraz przyspieszyć metabolizm, co utrzymuje nasze ciała w lepszej kondycji. Warto jednak pamiętać, żeby nie uprawiać ćwiczeń tuż przed snem, gdyż może to prowadzić do bezsenności i innych trudności, w tym także natury hormonalnej.
 

Warto zwrócić uwagę na techniki relaksacyjne, takie jak mindfulness, które pomagają zmniejszyć stres oraz poprawić jakość snu. Stres często prowadzi bowiem do podjadania, dlatego ważne jest, aby znaleźć sposoby na jego redukcję. To pomoże nam uniknąć nocnego podjadania i utrzymać zdrowy styl życia.

What can be eaten before bed, stomach ache after eating, indigestion, heartburn, hyperacidity

How to maintain proper sleep hygiene?

Implementing proper sleep hygiene is crucial for achieving healthy and restorative sleep. It's not just about the quantity of sleep, but also the quality of sleep, which is influenced by our daily habits, including what we eat before bedtime. Here are a few tips to maintain proper sleep hygiene and pay attention to what we consume before going to bed:

First and foremost, avoid heavy meals. Consuming heavy and fatty meals before sleep can lead to indigestion and heartburn, as well as other discomforts in the stomach, which can hinder falling asleep. Opt for light and easily digestible snacks if you really need to eat something before bed. Choose healthy snacks such as fruits, plain yogurt, nuts, or whole-grain toast. Avoid snacks that are heavy and fatty.
There are many key elements that contribute to sleep hygiene. Neglecting any of them can significantly worsen its quality.
We must also remember not to engage in intense physical activity directly before sleep. It is important to give our bodies time to rest and prepare for sleep, including on a hormonal level. Exercising before going to bed can stimulate the body, and therefore also increase energy levels, making it harder to fall asleep.

Therefore, it is recommended to avoid exercises, sports or other activities requiring a lot of effort before sleep. Instead, focus on relaxation activities, such as reading, listening to music, meditation or stretching, which can help calm the mind and properly prepare for sleep. Techniques based on mindfulness are also helpful, which increase awareness and allow for deeper sleep.

In ensuring comfort and support during night-time rest, a properly chosen universal mattress, and a orthopedic pillow tailored to the body's structure play a fundamental role. The right choice of these elements is crucial for maintaining sleep hygiene at a proper level. This translates into positive consequences for the quality of sleep and the general well-being of the individual.

Our universal mattress provides the right support for the spine, eliminating pressure points and helping to maintain a correct body posture at night. It reduces the risk of back pain and ensures optimal spinal alignment, which consequently positively affects spine health. It is made of breathable materials, which help maintain an appropriate body temperature, and also counteract night sweats. Its durability and our confidence are confirmed by a 15-year warranty. At the same time, there is no risk associated with its purchase, as we offer up to 100 days for return.

Meanwhile, a pillow serves as a support for the head and neck, helping to maintain a correct cervical spine position. A well-chosen pillow should be sufficiently firm to provide proper comfort, while maintaining appropriate support for the neck. An unsuitable one, however, can lead to neck pain, muscle tension, and improper posture during sleep. Ergonomic pillows from ONSEN® are additionally made of materials that prevent the accumulation of allergens, such as dust and mites. Their core is made of high-resilience foam, which provides stable support throughout the night.
  We also encourage you to explore other articles on the best sleep and health blog, as well as the Encyclopedia of Healthy Sleep prepared by the ONSEN® team of specialists. For those who care about spine health, we recommend a set of spine exercises prepared by our physiotherapist.
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FAQ: Eating before sleep

Is eating before bed harmful to health?

Eating right before bed can lead to sleep problems, gastric discomfort, and weight gain or obesity. However, it's important to note that not all foods are harmful, and they can be consumed in moderation.

What can you eat before bed without harming your health?

Nuts, fruits, low-fat yogurt, lean meat pieces, or popcorn are just a few examples of healthy snacks that you can enjoy before going to bed. However, it's important to consume them in moderation and avoid heavy, indigestible meals, as well as sweets.

What are the ways to avoid evening hunger pangs?

Regularly eating meals throughout the day, consuming protein-rich and high-fiber foods, engaging in regular physical activity, staying properly hydrated, and practicing relaxation techniques are just a few ways to help avoid nighttime snacking and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Why can eating late at night lead to sleep problems?

Eating late at night leads to a rapid increase in blood glucose levels, which can interfere with falling asleep and disrupt sleep patterns. Moreover, high blood sugar levels negatively affect overall well-being and health.

Is consuming alcohol before bed harmful to health?

Yes, consuming alcohol before bed can lead to sleep problems, excessive sweating, and dehydration. Alcohol also negatively impacts sleep quality and leads to more frequent awakenings during the night. This applies to other substances as well, including coffee, tea, or yerba mate.

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