Foods Not to Eat at Bedtime

A light snack before bed will not harm you, as long as you choose the right foods. In fact, a healthy snack can prove highly beneficial, because if you go to bed starving, you may struggle to sleep and cause your body to rely on its own natural fat storage for sustenance, which can make weight loss difficult.

LARGE MEALS

Any large meal before bed can disrupt your sleep cycle by slowing your digestion, even if your meal consists of healthy foods. Additionally, since your metabolism slows during sleep, your body will use fewer of those calories for fuel -- which means that more of those calories turn to fat. For a restful sleep, stick to light snacks containing tryptophan, an essential amino acid that encourages rest and relaxation by bringing about the creation of serotonin in the brain. Tryptophan is found in most protein-rich foods, and excellent sources include egg whites, pumpkin seeds and soybeans.

CAFFEINE

Caffeine is a stimulant that affects your central nervous system, and if you consume caffeinated foods and beverages before bed, you may find it very difficult to fall asleep, depending on how sensitive you are to the drug. Though caffeine may cause you to think of drinks like coffee, soda and tea, bear in mind that chocolate also contains caffeine, so if you have any caffeine sensitivity, avoid chocolate before bed.

SPICY FOODS AND GARLIC

Spicy foods and foods containing garlic may contribute to heartburn when consumed before bed, according to Timothy Morgenthaler, M.D. To further prevent heart and gastrointestinal issues, avoid foods high in fat. For instance, if you want to enjoy some protein before bed, stick with lean protein sources to ensure a restful sleep.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

Research shows that sufferers of heartburn and acid reflux disease might want to avoid all foods before bed. A 2011 study published in "The American Journal of Gastroenterology" found that subjects who ate within three hours of going to bed were seven times more likely to suffer heartburn or acid reflux symptoms as a result. Additionally, if you have a proneness for waking up multiple times during the night, avoid drinking liquids before bed.