While some circumstances can make late-night eating a necessity, regularly doing this can cause disruptions to your sleep.
Experts have warned against snacking on three types of foods, in particular, if you want a peaceful night.
Managing director at The Odd Company Andrew Seed explained: “Eating too close to sleep can lead to physical discomfort related to digesting food. Not only is this unpleasant, but it can have an impact on sleep.
"This can lead to a cycle of tiredness which makes it feel more tricky to focus on healthy habits. You can still unwind with your favourite dish in the comfort of your duvet, but the best rule of thumb is to eat no later than two hours before you go to sleep.
Curry can leave you tossing and turning at night
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“There’s no problem with eating in bed, the issue is what time people might be doing so. You should try to avoid eating a full meal close to bedtime, whether it’s at the table or under the duvet, as it can lead to poor digestion and disturbed sleep.
"Research shows that eating too near to sleep can be linked with GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) or acid reflux. That can cause irritation, discomfort, and disrupted sleep patterns.”
If you do tuck into your final meal late at night, chief product officer at Protein Works, Kyle Crowley, advised staying away from three types of foods for your best chance of a good sleep.
Curries, hot ramen, and other spicy foods
The expert advised these foods can cause issues in your body that are likely to keep you up at night. He said: “Spicy food before bed can sometimes lead to heartburn, which isn’t exactly a recipe for a restful night. Plus, chilli peppers can raise your body temperature, something that might make it harder for your body to ease into deep sleep.”
Orange, grapefruit, and tomatoes
Even fruits and vegetables can irritate your body. Kyle continued: “Acidic foods like citrus fruits can increase your chances of heartburn. It might help to enjoy these earlier in the day rather than as a late-night treat.”
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Avoid fatty meat in the evenings
GETTYFatty meats
Greasy foods and fatty meats can leave you tossing and turning at night, so avoid these where possible.
Kyle explained: “Research shows that fatty foods can reduce sleep quality and lead to more restless nights, so avoid heavy, greasy meals like fried chicken close to bedtime.”
What you eat throughout the day can also impact your sleep. An expert shared the food group to eat at breakfast to help you get a good night's sleep.
