Is it ok to eat before bedtime?

Have you ever wondered whether or not you should eat before bedtime? There’s no right or wrong answer to this question and there are pros and cons to doing so.

Some research suggests that eating before bed may aid weight loss, improve sleep, and help regulate blood glucose levels more easily. It prevents you from going to bed  hungry, which could otherwise make it harder for you to fall asleep.

Choosing foods that are high in tryptophan and melatonin can promote better sleep, too. High tryptophan foods include eggs, fish, nuts, and seeds. Bananas, walnuts, cherries, and oats are high in melatonin, so they’re options to consider including in your evening snacks.

There are downsides to eating at bedtime, including slower metabolism, increased risk of acid reflux, and increased calorie intake, which could lead to weight gain. Many people prefer high-sugar, high-calorie snacks in the evenings. Consuming many of these foods can increase your overall calorie intake and make it harder for you to maintain a healthy weight.

When you lie down shortly after eating a large volume of food, there’s an increased risk of heartburn and indigestion, which can be uncomfortable when you’re trying to get to sleep.