Night Snack - Benefit Or Harm

Author: Leticia Celentano Time for reading: ~2 minutes Last Updated: November 18, 2022

Sometimes there is nothing more tempting than a late night snack. You had dinner a few hours ago, you are watching your favorite series or reading an exciting book, and a piece of pizza or cake left in the refrigerator appears before your eyes. Is it so bad to have a snack before bed? How big of a problem can it become and will it interfere with sleep?

Is it so bad to have a snack before bed ? How big a problem can it become and will it interfere with sleep ?

Nutritionists say that the nutrients we get or don't get with food affect almost every aspect of our health, including sleep . Therefore, what and when we eat can have a direct impact on the quality of sleep .

Let's find out what nutritionists say about eating and snacking before bed .

Blood sugar level

Eating certain foods before bed can help regulate blood sugar.

For people with type 2 diabetes, a late- night snack of fiber and protein can help regulate blood sugar levels overnight. Protein helps keep it more stable until the morning.

Acid reflux or indigestion

If you suffer from acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease, eating before bed can cause a lot of discomfort.

A late- night snack right before bed can worsen acid reflux symptoms and other indigestion.

Why, in this case, nutritionists advise to eat at least a few hours before bedtime to avoid discomfort and ensure a full rest.

You won't have to go to bed hungry

Yes, that seems pretty obvious. However, it is sometimes very difficult to fall asleep on an empty stomach.

If hunger is keeping you from sleeping, a protein-rich snack can help you calm down and relax. Try eating a protein-rich snack before bed —like crackers, cheese, a spoonful of peanut butter, or a glass of milk—to see if that helps.

Night Snack - Benefit Or Harm

Blood sugar level

Acid reflux or indigestion

You won't have to go to bed hungry

Related Articles