Smart Woman: Eating Before Bed

Sometimes what we eat or drink before bedtime can lead to a lousy night's sleep.

So, what are the worst offenders? For many of us anything with caffeine can keep us up, but alcohol can also make you toss and turn. Even though alcohol may make you feel as if it puts you to sleep initially, it's going to disrupt the quality of sleep later on in the night.   

Another thing experts say to avoid is a large meal of any kind. Our bodies are meant to be quiet at night and if our bodies have to digest a high fat, high protein or high fiber meal, it may mitigate the quality of sleep. Also, high protein foods tend to make us more sharp and alert, not what you want when you want to go to sleep.

Another sleep buster is foods with lots of sugar. Sugary foods may give bodies an initial burst of energy and keep us more alert and stimulated. 

So, what foods will help you get a good night's rest?

Eating a light snack of about 200 calories that contains tryptophan may help. Tryptophan boost melatonin levels in the brain which can help promote good quality sleep. The snack should include a small amount of protein and a carbohydrate. Here are some good examples:

• warm milk and a low fat cookie or fruit
• a low fat yogurt
• a small serving of popcorn
• a small bowl of low fat, low sugar cereal

Experts say choosing the right bedtime snack can mean a better night's rest.