The 5 Worst Foods to Eat Right Before Bed

If you’re having trouble sleeping at night, something you ate or drank before bed may be to blame. That's not to say you should steer clear of any and all before-bed food and beverages—but some are more likely to cause sleep troubles than others. Read on for five food and drink items that could be the cause of your sleepless nights.

  1. Caffeine

Caffeine doesn’t just live in your coffee cup. The energizing natural stimulant is also found in items like dark chocolate and tea and can stay in your system for up to eight hours after consumption. For good sleep, experts generally recommend not having caffeine after 5 P.M. at the very latest.

2. Alcohol

While having a few drinks may help put you to sleep, it might not be the quality slumber you're after. Alcohol can make you wake up several times during the night, whether you know it or not, and leave you feeling groggy in the morning.

3. Sugar

The energy rush you get from sugar can be helpful at times (like right before an intense workout). Plus, sugar just tastes good! But having a very sugary snack before bed can keep you up longer than you'd like.

4. Spicy and Acidic Foods

Spicy and acidic dishes are delicious, but if eaten too close to bedtime, you might find yourself experiencing heartburn or other signs of acid reflux. Lying down intensifies the sensation and can keep you up for hours.

5. Hard-to-Digest Foods

Foods that are high in fiber take more time to digest and can ultimately be harder on your stomach. While these foods are great for you during the day, if eaten right before bed, they may cause discomfort that can keep you up at night. If you are working on eating more fiber-rich food like vegetables, try getting them in at lunch or during an early dinner to avoid any stomach upset that interrupts your sleep.

Originally Appeared on SELF