Foods That Disturb Your Sleep
06 Aug 2025 by Ted Escobedo 1 min read
Certain diets and specific foods can disrupt sleep. Diets high in fat, sugar, or caffeine, as well as those including spicy or acidic foods, can lead to sleep disturbances. Additionally, large meals, especially those high in protein or fat, can cause indigestion and make it difficult to fall asleep.
Here is a list of foods and drinks to avoid for better sleep:
• Spicy Foods: These can cause heartburn and indigestion, making it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep.
• High-Fat Foods: Fatty meals, like fried foods and fast food, take longer to digest and can lead to discomfort and sleep disruption.
• Sugary Foods: Sugary treats can cause a spike and crash in blood sugar levels, leading to wakefulness.
• Acidic Foods: Tomatoes and citrus fruits can trigger heartburn or acid reflux, especially when consumed close to bedtime.
• Large Meals: A large meal before bed can cause indigestion and bloating, making it hard to fall asleep and stay asleep, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
• Processed Foods: Diets high in ultra-processed foods, like fast food and packaged snacks, have been linked to poor sleep quality and shorter sleep duration.
• Foods High in Sodium: Excessive sodium intake can lead to water retention and frequent nighttime bathroom trips, disrupting sleep.
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