6 Things That Could Happen to You If You Eat Right Before Going to Bed

Most experts will tell you that it’s best to wait at least 3 hours after you’ve eaten and then go to bed. That is because going to sleep on a full stomach can have some negative effects on your quality of sleeping and your health. But, there are also some positive things you might start noticing if you tend to snack on something before sleeping.

1. You’ll wake up with the urge to pee more often.

Some people experience an increased need to urinate at night, which is known as nocturia. This can be related to the amount of caffeine in the food you ate late in the day. This means the food you eat could be a diuretic, or in other words, it makes you have to pee more. It can, of course, be found in coffee. But not many people know that it’s also present in other foods we might be eating before bed, like tea, baked desserts containing chocolate, and some medications.

2. You might gain weight.

When you eat late and not enough time passes before going to bed, you don’t give the body enough time to burn off calories from the meal you were eating. So even though you might feel very sleepy after a big meal and crashing on the couch for a small nap is all you want to do, this decision may be bad for your figure. It’s better to try to stop eating before bed or stay awake for some time after eating dinner if you don’t want any unwanted (and unnecessary) pounds to creep in secretly.

3. You might get heartburn.

Normally, the acid produced when digesting the food you eat is contained in the stomach. Gravity is of great help here, as it forces the fluid stream downward. When lying down in a bed, however, the acid moves through the stomach and might come into contact with the sensitive parts of the digestive system. That’s why lying in bed with your stomach full can lead to heartburn, a painful burning sensation in your chest or throat.

4. Your sleep might be affected.

Going to bed on an empty stomach may keep you awake at night, and not getting enough sleep can lead to some unpleasant consequences, such as weight gain and heart disease. Instead of starving yourself, opt for a light, healthy snack before bedtime to enjoy some quality shut-eye.

5. Your blood sugar might be in balance.

Many people can’t start the day without a hot cup of coffee because the drop in their blood sugar level makes them feel exhausted no matter how many hours they slept. People with diabetes may wake up in the morning with high blood sugar, even if they haven’t eaten anything before sleep, and other people might experience low blood sugar during the night, which disturbs their sleep. If you’re familiar with any of these symptoms, try having a small snack at nighttime to balance out your blood sugar.

6. You might maintain your muscle mass.

You might be spending hours at the gym and lifting weights several times a week, but if you’re going to bed on an empty stomach, it can actually sabotage all your efforts. If you’re feeling hungry before sleep, your body can keep you mentally alert, which, in turn, will affect your metabolism and slow your body’s ability to convert protein into muscle.

Bonus: Foods you should try for a better sleep.

• Salmon: Fatty fish, and especially salmon, is rich in omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin D. This unique combination is believed to be very beneficial for treating insomnia.
• Almonds and walnuts: Almonds are rich in a substance called melatonin. They are also rich in magnesium and calcium, 2 minerals that help relax your muscles.
• Herbal tea: Chamomile tea, in particular, contains high doses of flavones and apigenin. On one hand, flavones reduce inflammation which induces a more stress-free sleep. On the other hand, apigenin is a great antioxidant that has the ability to promote sleepiness and reduce the effects of insomnia.
• Kiwi: In a study that took place in 2011, 24 participants were fed 2 kiwis one hour before sleep for 4 weeks. At the end of this period, all participants noticed improved sleep patterns.
• White rice: Due to its high glycemic rate, rice has been found to promote quality sleep. In a study where 1,848 people participated, it was concluded that those who ate more rice had a much better sleep duration.
• Oatmeal: Like many of the foods mentioned above, oats also contain tryptophan. Not only that, but they are also rich in vitamin B3, which helps in serotonin production. This vitamin is a wonderful shield against cholesterol and it is also a great antioxidant.