7 Surprising Foods That Can Disrupt Your Sleep

Getting enough sleep is crucial for maintaining your overall health and performing well at work. While most people know that caffeine and sugary foods can mess with sleep, there are some lesser-known foods that could be causing disturbances too.

Here are seven foods that might be stealing your sleep without you knowing:
 

1. Dragonfruit

Despite its healthy appearance, dragonfruit is high in natural sugars and nutrients that can keep your mind active at night, making it harder to calm down and fall asleep.
 

2. Protein Bars

They are excellent for fueling your workouts but not so great for winding down. The amino acids in protein bars keep your metabolism active longer than desired at bedtime.
 

3. Kombucha

Popular for its health benefits, this fizzy drink can disturb your sleep due to tyramine and tiny amounts of caffeine that stimulate your nervous system.
 

4. Pickled Foods

Foods like pickles and kimchi contain tyramine and histamines, which can inhibit the production of melatonin, the hormone that helps you sleep.
 

5. Green Tea Ice Cream

This dessert contains caffeine, sugar, and L-theanine, which can overly stimulate your brain when you're trying to relax.
 

6. Spirulina

Known as a superfood, spirulina is another stimulant that’s better suited for daytime consumption because its nutrients can keep your metabolism busy at night.
 

7. Cured Meats

Snacks like salami and bacon are high in tyramine, which activates brain functionality, making it difficult to settle into sleep.

 

Tips for Better Sleep

Dylan Tollemache, co-founder and CEO at Onebed, advises that while these foods are not inherently bad, their consumption timing plays a critical role. 

To avoid sleep disruptions, it’s best to enjoy these foods at least four to five hours before bedtime.

Understanding your body's response to certain foods and maintaining a balanced diet throughout the day can also promote better sleep and a more effective workday.

Check out: 10 Tips for Staying Productive and Focused While Working from Home

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