Some people think that eating a snack before bed helps reduce hunger, creates relaxation and makes it easier to fall asleep.
Meanwhile, many opinions worry that eating late at night can cause weight gain, digestive disorders or affect sleep quality.
Therefore, it is important to understand when and how to eat them to be beneficial.
For some people, especially those with a rapid stomach full or eating dinner too early, feeling hungry at night can cause the body to secrete many stimulating hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, causing difficulty sleeping. In this case, a suitable snack - such as a little nuts, warm milk or low-sugar fruit - can help stabilize blood sugar and create a pleasant feeling, thereby supporting sleep.
However, it should be noted that not everyone should eat late at night. For people with reflux disease, obesity, diabetes or metabolic disorders, eating close to bedtime can make the stomach work harder, easily causing indigestion, bloating or increased blood sugar at night. These conditions often cause disrupted sleep, even causing more insomnia.
In addition, the type of food chosen is the deciding factor. Foods rich in sugar, high in oil, spicy or large portions all cause the body to digest for a long time, thereby increasing body heat and affecting deep sleep stages.
If a family member feels hungry late at night, housewives can prepare a snack with whole grains or whole wheat toast to help fight hunger and sleep better.
In contrast, foods containing tryptophan, light protein or complex carbohydrates can help the body produce serotonin and melatonin - two important substances that help sleep easily.
To help family members sleep well, in addition to the foods suitable for dinner, housewives also need to pay attention to the time of eating. If you eat late, it is best to eat 1-2 hours before bedtime, giving the body time to digest and avoid pressure on the stomach.
Eating lightly at night is not bad but not always necessary. Only apply when you are really hungry and choose healthy foods in moderation, to both support sleep and not harm your health.