Eating late at night can sometimes make it harder to fall asleep, especially if you’re choosing the wrong kinds of foods.

While certain snacks can be light and easy to digest, others may leave you tossing and turning, feeling heavy or uncomfortable.

What we eat before bed affects not only our sleep quality but also our digestion and overall health.

So, it’s important to be mindful of which foods are best to avoid as bedtime approaches.

If you’re prone to late-night cravings or often grab a snack before heading to bed, knowing which foods to skip can help you rest better and wake up feeling refreshed.

Here are three common foods you should steer clear of before bedtime to give your body a chance to wind down without added stress.

1. Spicy Foods

Spicy foods like hot peppers, spicy sauces, or even heavily seasoned dishes can cause heartburn or indigestion, especially when you lie down soon after eating.

This discomfort can make it harder to relax, keeping you awake longer than you’d like. Save the spice for earlier in the day when your body has more time to digest it fully.

2. Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and lemons are acidic, which can trigger acid reflux or heartburn if eaten too close to bedtime.

The high acidity can irritate your stomach lining and lead to a restless night. Instead, choose fruits that are less acidic if you need a late-night snack.

3. Chocolate

While chocolate may seem like a comforting snack, it contains caffeine and theobromine, both of which can keep you alert and make it harder to fall asleep.

Dark chocolate, in particular, has higher caffeine content than milk chocolate.

If you’re craving something sweet before bed, try a small portion of fruit instead.

Also read: 3 Major Causes Of Mouth Odour