If you’re struggling to get a good night’s sleep, you’re not alone. According to the National Sleep Foundation, 50-70 million US adults have a sleep disorder. That’s a lot of people! While there are many things that can contribute to a sleepless night, one area you might not have considered is your diet.
That’s right, certain foods can actually keep you awake at night. In this blog post, we will explore 6 foods that might keep you awake at night. From caffeine to sugar to spicy food, read on to learn more about which foods to avoid before bedtime.
1. Coffee
When it comes to coffee, everyone has different opinions. Some people can’t live without their daily cup of joe, while others find that even one cup is enough to keep them up all night.
If you’re trying to avoid caffeine, it’s best to steer clear of coffee altogether. But if you do enjoy the occasional cup, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First of all, the caffeine content in coffee can vary widely depending on the type of bean, roast, and brewing method. A typical 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee has 95-200 milligrams of caffeine, while a same-sized cup of instant coffee has about 65-100 milligrams.
Espresso shots contain even more caffeine – around 30-50 milligrams per shot. So if you’re sensitive to caffeine, it’s important to know how much is in your cup before you drink it.
In general, darker roasts have less caffeine than lighter roasts. And Arabica beans have less caffeine than Robusta beans. So if you’re looking for a low-caffeine option, go for a light roast made with Arabica beans.
It’s also worth noting that decaf coffee isn’t completely free of caffeine. The decaffeination process removes 97-99% of the caffeine from coffee beans, but there will still be trace amounts left behind. So
2. Chocolate
Chocolate contains caffeine, which is a stimulant. Stimulants can cause Insomnia. In fact, according to the National Sleep Foundation, about 60% of people who regularly consume caffeine say that it disrupts their sleep. The effects of caffeine can last for several hours, so if you have chocolate late in the day, it may keep you awake at night.
3. Soda
Soda is a common source of caffeine, which can be disruptive to sleep. While soda alone may not be enough to keep you awake at night, it can contribute to sleeplessness. If you’re struggling to sleep, cutting back on soda or eliminating it from your diet altogether may help you get the rest you need.
4. Tea
When it comes to caffeine, tea is often thought of as a healthier alternative to coffee. But depending on the type of tea and how it’s brewed, it can actually contain more caffeine than coffee. So if you’re trying to avoid caffeine before bed, it’s best to steer clear of tea altogether.
5. Spicy Food
If you’re trying to avoid eating foods that will keep you awake at night, you might want to avoid spicy dishes. Spicy foods can cause heartburn and indigestion, which can keep you up at night. If you suffer from GERD, you might want to avoid spicy foods altogether.
6. Alcohol
We all know that alcohol can make us feel drowsy, but did you know that it can also keep us awake at night? That’s because alcohol disrupts our sleep cycle, meaning we’re less likely to get a good night’s sleep if we drink before bed. So if you’re looking to avoid insomnia, it’s best to steer clear of alcohol before bedtime.
Conclusion
There are a few foods that are known to keep people up at night, and it’s important to be aware of them if you’re trying to get a good night’s sleep. Coffee, chocolate, and energy drinks are all stimulating and should be avoided before bed. Spicy foods can also cause indigestion and keep you awake. If you’re having trouble sleeping, try avoiding these foods before bed and see if it makes a difference.