Does eating cheese before bed really give you nightmares? This age-old belief has resurfaced thanks to a new study, sparking curiosity and debate. But what does science say about this intriguing claim?
A recent study conducted by Canadian researchers delved into this question, surveying 1,082 undergraduate psychology students. The survey explored how these students perceived the impact of their diet on their sleep and dreams. The findings revealed that 40% of participants believed certain foods influenced their sleep, with 25% claiming some foods worsened it, and 20% reporting improvements.
Exploring the Cheese-Nightmare Connection
Interestingly, only 5.5% of respondents attributed their dream experiences to dietary choices. Among these, many pointed to sweets and dairy products, including cheese, as culprits for strange or disturbing dreams. Conversely, fruits, vegetables, and herbal teas were associated with better sleep.
The study’s reliance on self-reporting introduces potential biases. Participants’ familiarity with the cheese-nightmare notion, especially among psychology students, could have influenced their perceptions. This awareness might have led them to notice or believe their sleep was disrupted after consuming dairy, potentially exaggerating the likelihood of nightmares.
The Science Behind Cheese and Sleep
While no conclusive evidence links cheese directly to nightmares, scientific insights shed light on potential connections. Humans are diurnal creatures, designed to sleep at night and be active during the day. Consuming cheese before bed challenges the body’s natural rhythm, as it is not primed for digestion during nighttime.
Cheese, with its high fat and protein content, is particularly challenging to digest at night. This can divert the body’s resources from sleep to digestion, affecting sleep quality. Research indicates that eating close to bedtime reduces time spent in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, the stage associated with vivid dreams.
Lactose intolerance further complicates this issue. The Canadian study found that lactose-intolerant participants reported poorer sleep quality and more nightmares. This aligns with the idea that eating before bed impacts sleep quality, increasing the likelihood of waking during nightmares and remembering them.
Practical Advice for Cheese Lovers
For those who enjoy cheese before bedtime, there’s no need to panic. Sleep hygiene guidelines suggest avoiding meals at least two hours before sleep. This allows time for digestion, even after a cheese-heavy meal, ensuring a peaceful slumber.
Other Dairy Products and Sleep
Cheese isn’t the only dairy product that may influence sleep. Many people have heard about the benefits of a warm glass of milk before bed. Milk, easier to digest than cheese, contains tryptophan, an amino acid that promotes sleep.
However, overindulging in dairy close to bedtime can still disrupt sleep. Participants in the Canadian study reported nightmares after consuming dairy, suggesting that even milk might contribute to disturbed sleep if consumed too close to bedtime.
Concluding Thoughts
While it’s wise to avoid food, especially cheese, in the two hours before lights out, there’s no need to eliminate cheese from your diet altogether. Enjoy your favorite cheesy dishes, but give your body time to digest before heading to bed. If a late-night cheese craving strikes, opt for a small portion. Your sleep—and your dreams—will thank you.
This article is based on research by Charlotte Gupta, Senior Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Appleton Institute, HealthWise Research Group, CQUniversity Australia, and was republished from The Conversation.
