The Huangdi Neijing states, "If the stomach is not harmonious, then sleep will be unrestful." If your dinner choices are incorrect, it is likely to leave you tossing and turning through the long night. So, which foods "steal" your sleep?
Foods that cause bloating. Some foods produce a significant amount of gas during digestion, leading to a feeling of abdominal bloating and disrupting normal sleep. These include beans, cabbage, onions, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, bell peppers, eggplant, potatoes, sweet potatoes, taro, corn, bananas, bread, citrus fruits, and beverages and desserts containing xylitol (a sweetener).
Spicy and salty foods. Spicy foods like chili peppers, garlic, and raw onions can cause heartburn and indigestion in some people, thereby interfering with sleep. Additionally, high-sodium foods cause excessive intake of sodium ions, leading to blood vessel constriction, increased blood pressure, and heightened tension, which can result in insomnia. If you already have a history of high blood pressure, consuming high-sodium foods can very likely trigger hypertensive headaches and strokes.
Too greasy. A rich and greasy dinner, or a large intake of high-fat foods, can加重 the burden on the intestines, stomach, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. It can also stimulate the central nervous system, keeping it in a constant state of work, which leads to insomnia. The smartest approach is to have your most substantial meal for breakfast or lunch, and eat a smaller, lighter dinner for instance, having celery with lily bulbs, or a lily bulb and lotus seed millet porridge for dinner can have a sedative effect.
Drinking alcohol before bed. Many people use alcohol to help them fall asleep faster. However, a nightcap may cost you a night of waking up several times or feeling extremely fatigued the next day.
Vegetables that are too fibrous. For example, leeks, garlic sprouts, and mustard greens are not easily digested. If you do eat them, they should be well-cooked and not prepared with too much oil or salt.
Cooking methods. For dinner, try to eat more boiled, stewed, or steamed foods, and fewer fried or grilled ones. Food should be soft rather than hard; for example, rice should be cooked as soft as possible. Also, avoid overly sticky foods.