7 Foods To Avoid To Avoid Sleep Problems

To avoid problems when falling asleep, it is convenient to avoid consuming certain foods that produce this effect and that keep people awake during the night.

Difficulty falling asleep at night is known as initial insomnia. It is one of the most common disorders in modern society. Some of the reasons why more and more people have this type of problem are the excessive use of technology, constant exposure to stress and a sedentary lifestyle.

What most worries health experts is that it is a condition that leads to other diseases when it is not controlled in time. For this reason, it is essential to identify the cause and try to provide a treatment or solution as soon as possible.

In this sense, there are certain foods that, according to their composition, make it difficult to rest when eaten hours before going to sleep. Join us to get to know them. It is a simple solution to say goodbye to those inconveniences that prevent you from achieving a good night’s sleep.

1. Cheese

Cheese is an appetizing food that can be found in different presentations and with which different types of dishes can be prepared. However, it is essential to bear in mind that it is one of the foods that can cause insomnia when consumed at an inappropriate time.

Cheese in general contains an amino acid known as tyramine, as mentioned in research carried out in 2012. Its stimulating action keeps the brain active and prevents sleep. In fact, this same substance has been linked to some cases of headaches.

On the contrary, other dairy products such as milk and yogurt have been shown to be good for getting a good rest due to the significant contribution of calcium. This mineral reduces stress and stabilizes nerve fibers in the brain for a calm and relaxed mood.

2. Chocolate

For many people, chocolate is an exquisite delight that can stimulate a feeling of happiness in difficult times. It was proven by research conducted at the Complutense University of Madrid that it contains antioxidants and essential nutrients that benefit health if consumed in moderate amounts.

However, it is not appropriate to ingest it before sleeping, due to the contributions of tyrosine, whose substance is converted into dopamine in the body. This is a strong stimulant that will prevent you from reaching sleep. It is best to leave this food for hours in the morning or mid-afternoon.

3. Processed meats

Both sausage and smoked meats have a high fat and protein content that makes the digestion process difficult.

Ingesting them at night often leads to indigestion and a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen. In addition, they also contain tyramine, the amino acid associated with insomnia and headaches.

If you want to eat meat for dinner, it is best to choose chicken breast or turkey meat. These are healthier and also easy to digest.

4. Caffeinated foods make you sleepless.

Caffeine is a stimulating substance to keep the brain active and awake for longer hours. Coffee and other energy drinks contain it in significant amounts to help prolong physical and mental performance.

However, the consumption of this should not be exceeded, because they can become an obstacle to getting enough sleep. It is best not to ingest them at night and try to find other alternatives. It should be remembered that it is also present in some medicines, teas and soft drinks.

5. Tomato-based products

Tomato-based foods increase the acidic pH in the body and cause burning and digestive discomfort at night.

In this way, to avoid tossing and turning due to the negative effects it produces , consumption should be avoided for at least 3 hours before going to sleep.

6. Grapefruits

Consuming citrus fruits, such as grapefruit, can increase heartburn and acid reflux when consumed before going to bed. These discomforts interrupt your sleep and can prevent you from achieving the necessary hours of sleep. It is best to eat this food in the morning or a couple of hours after lunch.

You may also be interested: Why are some medications taken before meals and others after?

7. Spicy foods

Spicy sauces and dressings, such as mustard or pepper, disrupt the sleep cycle after being ingested hours before bedtime. This is because they cause a temperature change in the body that confuses the brain functions that induce it.

Finally, have you eaten any of these foods just before sleeping? This may be the reason for insomnia every night. It is recommended to try to choose another time to consume them and opt for lighter and easier to digest foods for dinner.