Nutrition and Sleep: Those Who Want to Sleep Better Should Also Pay Attention to Food

The timing and content of evening meals play a crucial role in sleep quality, according to a sleep medicine expert. While family dinners are often a cherished time for connection, eating too close to bedtime can lead to discomfort and hinder the ability to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Ingo Fietze, a sleep specialist, advises that the last substantial meal of the day should be consumed at least three hours before going to bed. This allows the digestive system adequate time to process food, preventing a full stomach or feelings of heaviness from interfering with rest.

However, Fietze notes that going to bed hungry can also be detrimental to sleep. The key lies in finding a balance, ensuring the body is neither overly full nor deprived of sustenance when it's time to rest. The article hints at specific foods, like pasta and kiwi, that might be beneficial for sleep, suggesting a nuanced approach to pre-sleep nutrition.

This discussion is part of a series addressing common questions about nutrition, aiming to provide practical advice for improving well-being through dietary choices. The expert's insights highlight the intricate connection between what we eat and how well we sleep.

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That is quite possible, but it doesn't necessarily have to be the case – if you consider a few things. The last large meal should be taken at least three hours before going to bed. Then the body has enough time to digest. A full stomach and a feeling of fullness can disturb falling asleep and sleep quality.