Health World

The quality of the dinner meal directly affects sleep quality, and it is not merely overeating that is to blame. Certain foods, for example, stimulate the nervous system or increase the burden on the digestive system, making it harder to fall asleep and diminishing sleep quality.

It is important to avoid foods and beverages containing caffeine before bedtime. Many people believe that caffeine is limited to coffee, but strong tea and chocolate also contain notable amounts of it. Therefore, if a person struggles with falling asleep, it is best to avoid these products during the evening hours.

Fatty and heavy foods, such as fast food, fried dishes, fatty meats, and sauces, also negatively impact sleep quality. These foods take longer to digest, so the digestive system continues to work actively at a time when the body should be preparing for sleep. They can also cause stomach heaviness, discomfort, or heartburn, all of which adversely affect sleep quality.

Doctors note that consuming excessive protein at dinner, especially if the meal is eaten late, is not an ideal choice. It is generally recommended to have dinner two to three hours before bedtime, as eating immediately before going to bed keeps the digestive process active and stimulates the secretion of hormones related to metabolism, such as insulin and glucagon-like peptide, which may disrupt the body’s natural mechanisms for preparing for peaceful sleep.

Source: gazeta.ru