When And How Is It Better To Eat Dinner Before Sleep? Follow 5 Tips

Illustration of tips for when and how to eat before bed (Freepic)

YOGYAKARTA - Dinner is an important moment to close the day, but did you know that the time and type of food consumed can affect the quality of sleep and health as a whole? According to experts, overnight eating can cause digestive disorders, disturbed sleep, and even weight rises without realizing it. For that, let's look at some tips for a healthy dinner and don't interfere with rest time.

It is better if the dinner is done at least two to three hours before bedtime. The goal is that the body has enough time to digest the food before you lie down. If you go straight to bed after eating, the food can rise back into the concavity and cause acid reflux. In addition, sleeping with your stomach full can make you sleep restless and not feeling well.

Avoid heavy dinners such as fried foods, high-fat foods, or large portions of rice and red meat. Instead, you can choose a source of light protein such as skinless chicken, fish, or tofu that is steamed. Also add vegetables and a little complex carbohydrates such as boiled potatoes or red rice. Quoting Health, Tuesday, August 5, lighter foods help digestion run smoothly and make the body better prepared to rest.

If you feel hungry again after dinner, choose healthy snacks such as cut fruit, low sugar yogurt, or a handful of nuts. Avoid sweet foods such as cakes, biscuits, or high sugar drinks because they can cause a jump in blood sugar and interfere with the sleep cycle. Sugar can also provide additional energy that you don't need at night.

Apart from the type of food, consistency of meal times is also important. Try to have dinner at the same hour every day so that the body is used to regular daily rhythms. Don't miss lunch because it can make you overeat at night. Maintaining a stable portion and meal time helps the metabolism stay balanced.

Everyone has different body conditions. If you feel your stomach is too full or reluctant after dinner, maybe the portion needs to be reduced. If you feel hungry before bed, healthy small snacks can be a solution. The point is, it is important to listen to the body's signal and not force yourself to eat just because it's 'hours dinner'.

Healthy dinners are not just a matter of what you eat, but also when and how much. By paying attention to eating time, types of food, and body needs, you can keep your digestion comfortable and sleep better.