5 Foods to Avoid Before Bed for a Better Night’s Sleep

If you want a restful night without waking up repeatedly or struggling with insomnia, the food you eat a few hours before bed plays a crucial role. Certain foods and drinks can interfere with sleep, so it is wise to avoid them in the evening. Here are five key culprits:

1. Skip Heavy Meat Dinners
Meat digests slowly, especially cured meats, sausages, and other fatty cuts. Because digestion takes longer, eating meat before bed can leave you feeling uncomfortable and make it harder to fall asleep. If possible, avoid heavy meat dinners or consume them sparingly.

2. Large Salads Can Be Problematic
Salads are healthy, but large portions of fibrous vegetables such as cabbage, lettuce, and Swiss chard or salads combined with whole grains can cause bloating and stomach discomfort before sleep. Clinical nutritionist Tami Adi from Clalit Health Services notes that these effects can make it harder to rest.

3. Pasta Is Not Ideal
Pasta, particularly when served with creamy or fatty cheeses, can be tough to digest at night. This combination may create a feeling of heaviness and discomfort that interferes with falling asleep.

4. Watch Out for Gas Producing Foods
Legumes, radish salad, cabbage, broccoli, beans, cauliflower, and similar foods can cause bloating and gas. Consuming them in the evening may disrupt continuous quality sleep.

5. Limit Caffeine
Caffeine is a stimulant that can keep you awake. Even a cup of coffee paired with a chocolate cookie can reduce your chances of sleeping well. Cocoa is also stimulating, so be mindful of chocolate consumption before bedtime.

By avoiding these foods and drinks in the evening, you can improve digestion, reduce discomfort, and set yourself up for a more restful uninterrupted night of sleep.