Is Eating Before Bed Bad For You?
Short answer
Eating before bed is not bad for you, however, to receive all of the benefits make sure it is a healthy, well-balanced meal (not too big, not too small).
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Believe it or not, eating before bed can be beneficial. When you fall asleep, your parasympathetic nervous system comes to a rest. In simple terms, blood flow in areas that need it are now enhanced and foods are able to break down / be absorbed at a more efficient pace. Salivary gland secretion, gastric activity, and peristalsis are also promoted during sleep, improving the overall digestion process. Going to sleep on an empty stomach can cause blood sugar levels to crash. That in return can lead to weight gain. So, eating a small meal before bedtime will prevent weight gain and even promote weight loss if healthy. Lastly, eating the right foods before bed can help you sleep sounder. Specifically, healthy carbs and fats (such as berries and cream, carrots and guacamole, or apple slices and almond butter) are proven to help you sleep. And remember, the better you sleep, the better you will feel the following day. The only thing you don't want to do is stuff your face before bed. Eating too much can cause heartburn, and therefore make it harder to fall asleep.
Possible short-term side effects
- heartburn if you eat too much
Benefits
- more efficient digestion
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promotes weight loss (if the meal is healthy)
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stable blood sugar
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fall asleep quicker
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stay asleep longer
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Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Kathan Natrajan
Published on: 12-27-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Kathan Natrajan
Published on: 12-27-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016
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