When You Eat Sugar Before Bed This Is What Happens
Many people experience snack cravings late at night. Some people think it is bad to snack before bed, but this isn't true. According to Healthline, there is no conclusive evidence to support the idea that eating before bed will make you gain weight. However, what you eat before bed can make a difference in your overall health.
Sugar has many negative health effects. It contains virtually no nutritional value and it can lead to weight gain, diabetes, cavities, and heart disease (via Medical News Today). Foods that naturally have sugar, like fruit and dairy products, do not have these same effects on the body. However, products with added sugar like candy and baked goods do. Some types of added sugar to look out for in products include dextrose, sucrose, agave nectar, and high-fructose corn syrup. It is best to avoid foods with these ingredients at all times of the day. Instead of snacking on candy or cake before bed, opt for an apple or a handful of grapes to satisfy your sweet tooth.
How sugar disrupts sleep
In addition to causing health issues, sugar can interrupt your sleep at night. Sugar raises insulin levels and gives us quick energy when we consume it. But this isn't the effect we want on our bodies right before bed. "When you eat sugar, your blood sugar levels rise and your pancreas releases insulin, which helps the sugar to be taken back into the cells, giving them fuel to run on," dietitian Alex Evans told The Guardian. "Eating sugar late at night overstimulates you. It gives you energy and makes you ready for activity, but that is not what we're trying to do at night. We're designed to shut down towards the end of the day."
You should avoid eating sugary foods within two hours of your bedtime. This will help any processed sugar get out of your bloodstream so you're not jittery by the time you go to bed. Some of the best foods to snack on before bed include beans, lentils, nuts, poultry, and whole grains. These all contain compounds that can naturally make you sleepier.