A recent study has reignited the debate about whether eating cheese before bed affects our ability to have vivid dreams or nightmares. The Canadian researchers investigated this idea among 1,082 undergraduate psychology students, finding that while there is no conclusive evidence to prove cheese causes nightmares, some people do perceive a connection between what they eat and how they dream.
The study suggests that humans are primed to be asleep at night, but eating cheese before bed challenges the body’s natural digestive processes. Cheese contains high amounts of fat and protein, which slows down digestion, potentially affecting sleep quality. Research has shown that eating close to bedtime can reduce our time spent in REM sleep, a stage associated with vivid dreams.
However, it’s essential to note that people might already have vivid dreams or nightmares every night without realizing it. Poor sleep quality often means waking up during the night, and if we wake up during REM sleep, we’re more likely to report vivid dreams.
While cheese can be detrimental to sleep, a small amount before bedtime is unlikely to cause significant issues. In fact, milk – which contains tryptophan, an amino acid that promotes sleep – might even be beneficial in moderation. As long as you give your body time to digest food, especially cheese, before going to bed, it’s possible to enjoy your cheesy evenings without worrying about nightmares.
Remember, general sleep hygiene guidelines recommend avoiding meals at least two hours before bedtime. So, go ahead and indulge in that cheesy pasta or cheese board, just be sure to leave enough time for digestion and a good night’s sleep.
Source: https://theconversation.com/does-eating-cheese-before-bed-really-give-you-nightmares-heres-what-the-science-says-260205