As long as you are getting enough nutrition and calories throughout the day, stopping food consumption a few hours before bedtime is generally considered healthy.
If you're hungry before bed and worried you won't be able to sleep on an empty stomach, there are many healthy foods you can eat at night.
Read on to learn more about some of the potential side effects of going to bed hungry and what foods are suitable to eat before bedtime.
Are there any side effects of going to bed hungry?
Going to bed hungry can leave you feeling empty or dissatisfied because you haven't been able to satisfy your appetite. However, it might be more sensible and healthier to go to bed hungry than to eat too close to bedtime.
Eating right before bed has many side effects. Eating after dinner or late at night can lead to weight gain and an increase in body mass index (BMI).
Also, eating or drinking very close to bedtime can cause indigestion or sleep disturbances. Your metabolism slows down as your body prepares for sleep, and you generally don't need extra calories.
What should we eat before bed?
You might feel quite hungry before bed and need to grab a bite to eat before turning off the lights.
There are several healthy foods and eating habits you can choose that can promote sleep while avoiding sleep problems and stomach upset.
Nighttime snacks can include foods containing the amino acid tryptophan. These foods activate the serotonin hormone in your body, promoting sleep.
Foods that contain this amino acid include:
- Turkey
- Chicken
- Fish
- Hazelnut
- Eggs
- Whole grains
Whole-grain foods include:
- Bread
- Cracker
- Grain
Things to avoid:
Avoid foods that take a long time to digest, upset your stomach, or make it difficult to sleep. Some examples include:
- Fried foods
- Spicy foods
- sugary foods
- Fatty foods
Also, pay attention to the drinks you consume before bed. Drinking too much of anything can lead to frequent bathroom visits throughout the night. Additionally, alcoholic or caffeinated beverages can make it harder to fall asleep or stay asleep.