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 support muscle maintainance, 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 rich in sleep-promoting compounds like tryptophan and melatonin can promote better sleep, too. Tart cherries are particularly high in melatonin,
while foods like bananas, walnuts, and oats contain various compounds that may
support sleep. High tryptophan foods include chicken and turkey, eggs, fish, nuts, and seeds.

There are downsides to eating at bedtime, including 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.