A recent study suggests that your midnight snack of cheese and crackers might be contributing to more than just a satisfied palate it could be triggering unsettling dreams. According to research, consuming certain foods, particularly dairy, late at night may disrupt sleep and lead to vivid nightmares, especially for those with lactose intolerance.
An expert in internal medicine, dietetics, and diabetes explains that sugary or fatty foods, such as desserts or ice cream, can interfere with blood sugar levels and digestion. This disruption may result in poor sleep quality, frequent awakenings, and even restless or disturbing dreams. The study highlights that these effects are not limited to dairy; sweets and other heavy foods consumed close to bedtime can also play a role.
However, food isn’t the sole culprit behind nightmares. Another expert, notes that conditions like Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), often indicated by snoring, can also contribute to bad dreams. Lifestyle factors and underlying health issues may further exacerbate sleep disturbances, making it clear that diet is just one piece of the puzzle.
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The findings draw a parallel to a cultural reference, recalling an episode of Disney’s Hannah Montana where a character experiences odd dreams after drinking hot chocolate before bed. This connection underscores the long-standing belief that certain foods might influence our sleep experiences, a notion now backed by emerging scientific evidence.