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Foods to avoid before bedtime
You knew the caffeine in coffee, tea and cola could steal your slumber, but certain caffeinated foods can disrupt your snoozing, too; these include bitter dark chocolate and coffee- or chocolate-flavored pudding and ice cream. One study suggests consuming caffeine even six hours before you hit the hay can affect your sleep quality.
Foods free of caffeine can disturb your sleep, as well. Fatty treats like bacon and french fries can worsen symptoms of acid reflux, causing heartburn in the chest and throat. Unfortunately, foods rich in healthy fats, like nuts and avocado, may trigger heartburn, too. Heartburn can make restful sleep a lofty dream, so it’s best to avoid any edibles you suspect are worsening your symptoms. Research suggests those who experience nighttime heartburn are more likely to show signs of insomnia and sleep apnea than those who don’t.
Spicy foods can also trigger heartburn and disrupt sleep, so enjoy spicy chili, pad thai and hot sauce early in the day.