7. Alcohol
According to Drinkaware UK, as little as one drink can affect our sleep patterns. On average, our bodies take an hour to process just one unit of alcohol – and the more we drink, the longer it’ll take. To get a good night’s rest, we should allow our bodies plenty of time to process any alcohol we’ve drunk. Drinking alcohol is also said to send us into a deep slumber too quickly, reducing rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and resulting in a less refreshed snooze. Plus, booze is a diuretic, increasing the need for night-time bathroom trips.
6. Cookies
A couple of cookies with your evening cup of tea might not be the best idea if you’re hoping for a peaceful snooze. Cookies can spike your blood sugar levels and cause discomfort, all because of the saturated fat in the butter that’s used to make them. Chocolatey cookies are an even greater risk for sleepless nights as they contain naturally occurring caffeine. However, if you need something to dunk, some cookies are better than others. Rather than a buttery cookie or shortbread, go for a plain oat cookie.
5. Sweets
Foods high in refined sugars and artificial sweeteners – including sweets and candy bars – can play havoc with your blood sugar levels. We’re all aware of the effects too much sugar can have on our bodies, but consuming it too close to bedtime can seriously disrupt our natural sleepiness. Plus, less sleep at night could lead to you needing to eat more energy-boosting foods during the day.