Here are 6 Tet foods that can easily cause insomnia
Foods high in sugar: Cakes, jams, and candies for Tet
Jams and candies are familiar foods during Tet, but the high sugar content in these foods can cause insomnia.
According to research from the American Sleep Association, consuming a lot of sugar increases cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and causes blood sugar fluctuations, which disrupts sleep.
Furthermore, high sugar levels can stimulate the brain, causing alertness and difficulty falling asleep.
Fried food, lots of oil
Dishes such as fried spring rolls, fried chicken, and fried banh chung contain a lot of saturated fat and grease, putting pressure on the digestive system.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), fatty foods slow down digestion, cause stomach upset and affect sleep quality.
Eating a lot of fat at night can lead to acid reflux, making sleep not deep and waking up easily in the middle of the night.
Strong coffee and tea
During Tet, many people have the habit of drinking strong tea or coffee to stay awake when entertaining guests. However, the caffeine in these two drinks can hinder the production of melatonin – an important hormone that helps the body fall asleep.
Caffeine can stay in the body for 6 to 8 hours after consumption, so drinking strong tea or coffee in the afternoon or evening can reduce sleep quality.
Beer and alcoholic beverages
Many people think that drinking alcohol helps them sleep better, but in fact alcohol reduces the quality of REM sleep (an important deep sleep stage).
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), although alcohol may help you fall asleep faster, it disrupts sleep, leaving you feeling tired after waking up.
Alcohol also increases the frequency of urination at night, causing sleep disruption.
Hot and spicy foods: Pickled onions, kimchi, chili, pepper
Hot spices stimulate the taste buds and increase body temperature, but can also cause insomnia.
According to the American Dietetic Association, spicy foods increase stomach acid production, which can cause heartburn and discomfort at night.
This makes it difficult for the body to relax, especially when eating in the evening or close to bedtime.
Processed foods: sausages, ham, cold cuts
Processed foods such as sausages, hot dogs, and ham often contain a lot of sodium and preservatives.
According to research from the Harvard School of Public Health, high sodium intake can cause electrolyte imbalances and increase blood pressure, which can affect sleep quality. Additionally, these foods can also cause thirst and stimulate the body to be more alert at night.
