Did you know that lack of sleep could actually lead to weight gain? Those extra inches around your waist might be the result of insufficient sleep.

According to a recent study, people who sleep less tend to consume more calorie-dense foods the following day. Interestingly, your sleeplessness might not only be due to stress or nutrient deficiencies—it could also be triggered by the foods you eat before bedtime. While we often blame electronic devices for poor sleep, certain foods can also disrupt your rest and should be completely avoided at night.

If you’ve been struggling with sleepless nights and wondering what’s keeping you awake, the culprit might just be your late-night food choices. In this article, we’ve listed common foods that can interfere with your sleep and should be avoided, especially before bedtime.

Here are some foods that could be sabotaging your sleep quality:

# Coffee and Soda:

Caffeine stimulates your central nervous system and keeps you alert, making it difficult to fall asleep. The same goes for soda, which often contains caffeine and sugar.

# Chocolate:

That post-dinner chocolate may seem harmless, but it can actually increase alertness and make it harder to fall asleep due to its caffeine content.

# Alcohol:

Though alcohol may initially make you feel drowsy, it disrupts the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) cycle, reducing overall sleep quality.

# Fatty Foods:

High-fat foods take longer to digest and can cause bloating or indigestion, both of which can keep you up at night.

# High-Sugar Cereals:

These cause spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels, leading to restless sleep and frequent wake-ups during the night.

# Hot Peppers and Spicy Foods:

Spicy dishes can cause heartburn or acid reflux, especially in sensitive individuals, making it difficult to sleep comfortably.

# High-Protein Dinners:

A protein-heavy meal reduces the availability of tryptophan—an amino acid essential for producing serotonin, the calming hormone that promotes sleep.

# Dried Fruits:

While healthy, dried fruits are high in fiber, which can cause gas and stomach cramps, disturbing your sleep.

# Pizza:

The combination of fatty cheese and acidic tomato sauce can trigger acid reflux, leaving you tossing and turning all night.

# Peppermint:

Despite being refreshing, peppermint can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, leading to heartburn and discomfort when you lie down.