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Is it safe to eat before sleeping?

By Dr Caroline Quiles PhD | Reviewed by Dr Anny Manrich (PhD)
Page last updated: 05/12/2023 | Next review date: 05/12/2025
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The contents of this article are fact-based except otherwise stated within the article.

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Author bio

Dr Caroline Quiles PhD is a Biomedical with expertise in chronobiology, biological rhythm, melatonin, sleep-wake cycle, anxiety, major depressive disorder, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and cancer pharmacology. She writes and reviews content on these topics.

 

 Dr Caroline Quiles’ Highlights:

  • PhD in Physiology, focusing on the melatonergic system and cancer at the Chronopharmacology Laboratory of the University of São Paulo (IB/USP).

 

  • Master´s in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences emphasizing lighting, sleep/awake cycle and metabolism at the Chronobiology and Sleep Laboratory of the Hospital de Clínicas de Proto Alegre (HCPA/UFRGS).

 

  • Bachelor’s degree in Biomedicine with an emphasis in education and research (Psychobiology) and Human Reproduction.

 

Dr Caroline Quiles PhD is a Biomedical with scientific experience in clinical and experimental fields, who has made important academic contributions over the course of six years working in the Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences areas through projects developed in the Chronobiology and Sleep Laboratory of the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA/UFRGS).

Among the main subjects developed are the influence of light on activity and rest, melatonin synthesis, metabolism, anxiety, major depressive disorder, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and biological rhythms. In collaboration with the Luxion company, Dr Caroline worked on developing a lighting system better suited to biological demands and regulation of the sleep/wake cycle.

Following the thematic of melatonin and the melatonergic system, Dr Caroline continued her scientific contribution over five years of work in the Physiology field, working on several projects about the HPA axis (Hypothalamus-Pineal-Adrenal), cancer, neuromodulation and immunology, at the Laboratory of Chronopharmacology at the University of São Paulo (IB/USP).

The main subject of study was the characterization of the melatonergic system in urothelial tumours and the influence of melatonin receptors on the proliferation of cells of different cancer types.

Dr Caroline Quiles participated as a member of the examination board for two editions of the Brazilian Science and Engineering Fair (FEBRACE), one edition of Beta Experience, from the Cientista Beta organization and as a mentor in the Winter Course at the Institute of Biosciences at São Paulo University (USP).

 

Education:

  • 2016 – Bachelor in Biomedicine at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Brazil.

 

  • 2017 –  Master in Medical Sciences: Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Brazil.

 

  • 2022 – PhD in Sciences: General Physiology at the University of São Paulo (USP), Brazil.

 

 Conference/Event appearances:

  • 2019 –  XV Latin American Symposium on Chronobiology (LASC). Sacrament Colony – Uruguay.

 

  • 2019 – 51st Brazilian Congress of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. Maceió – Brazil.

Honor Mention on Cancer Pharmacology Category.

Honor Mention on Inflammation and Immunopharmacology Category.

  • 2019 – Next Frontiers to Cure Cancer. São Paulo – Brazil.

 

  • 2018 –  50th Brazilian Congress of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. Ribeirão Preto – Brazil.

 

  • 2018 –  Travels from bench to bedside and back: I Symposium Weizmann-Einstein. São Paulo – Brazil.

 

  • 2017 –  69th SBPC Annual Meeting. Minas Gerais – Brazil.

                 Honor Mention on Physiology Category.

  • 2016 –  7th LEDforum. São Paulo – Brazil.

 

  • 2016 – 36th Scientific Week of HCPA – Brazil.

 

  • 2016 – XXVIII SIC UFRGS – Brazil.

Honor Mention FINOVA UFRGS.

Highlight of SIC UFRGS with a nomination for UFRGS Young Researcher Award

  • 2015 –  SBPC Regional Meeting. Palhoça – Brazil.

 

  • 2015 – 35th Scientific Week of HCPA – Brazil.

 

  • 2015 – XXVII SIC UFRGS  – Brazil.

 

  • 2014 – 34th Scientific Week of HCPA – Brazil.

 

  • 2014 – XXVI SIC UFRGS – Brazil.

 

  • 2013 – 33rd Scientific Week of HCPA – Brazil.

 

  • 2013 – XXV SIC UFRGS – Brazil.

 Highlight of SIC UFRGS with a nomination for the UFRGS Young Researcher Award

  • 2012 – 32nd Scientific Week of HCPA – Brazil.

 

  • 2012 – XXIV SIC UFRGS – Brazil.

 

  • 2012 –  44th International Summer Science Institute – Israel.

 

The main publications of Dr Caroline Quiles are:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Conference Papers:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Media coverage:

 QUILES, C. L.Nde3 Cast. Aquele sobre mudanças e carreira. 2022.

QUILES, C. L. Ciências Biológicas | Caroline Luísa Quiles – Prêmio Vídeo Pós-Graduação USP. 2019.

QUILES, C.L. Weizmann Talks escola de verão. 2018.

QUILES, C. L. Cronobiologia na Inovação Tecnológica. 2016.

Torri, D; QUILES, C. L; HIDALGO, M. P. L. Conforto Circadiano. L+D. 2016.

 

You can view some of Dr Caroline’s work below and links to her professional profiles:

Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Caroline-Quiles-2

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dra-caroline-quiles-59bb42221/

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=jDD9tSQAAAAJ&hl=en 

 


Dr Caroline Quiles PhD
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Reviewer bio

Dr Anny Manrich PhD is a food Engineer with expertise in Food Technology, Natural Polymers, Edible Films, Enzymes, and Nanotechnology. She writes and reviews content on these topics.

Dr Anny Manrich’s Highlights: 

  • Research and Technology at the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation
  • PhD in Chemical Engineering with a focus on Biochemistry at the Federal University of Sao Carlos/ Brazil and a one-year scholarship at the Technical University of Munich/ Germany
  • Bachelor of Food Engineering at the University of Campinas/ Brazil and a one-year scholarship at the Technical University of Munich/ Germany

 

“To solve a problem, global vision and multifactorial understanding are necessary. Therefore, in addition to expertise, one should seek multidisciplinary thinking connected with science and reality” – Dr Anny Manrich, PhD.

Professional Experience: 

Dr Anny Manrich’s Experience Joining the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, as soon as she completed her doctorate, 

 

Dr Anny Manrich has worked on several projects, including the more than three-year partnership project with BRF, a major food producer in Brazil. As a postdoctoral fellow. 

 

Dr Anny Manrich has also contributed to several business consultancies and research projects of the National Nanotechnology Laboratory System in areas such as food technology, fibres, films and coatings and Nanotechnology; in a very determined way, having a great team relationship, being creative and committed. 

Growing concerns about the safe introduction of nanomaterials into today’s life emphasises the need to create regulatory documentation in front of characterising, using and testing them. Dr Anny Manrich worked for two years on a characterization project for nanoscale materials, with the aim of exploring their possible health effects.

 

Despite not having specific academic training in packaging or polymeric films, Dr Anny Manrich works at the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation in areas of edible and biodegradable films produced from agricultural waste and in the development of films with greater resistance to water, having articles published in renowned scientific journals, which demonstrates her multidisciplinary understanding and creativity. 

 

In addition, she worked for four years as a consultant to a food company to develop a line of snacks that are healthy and that add functional ingredients, physiologically active compounds that bring health benefits, made from fruits and vegetables, enabling diet improvement, disease prevention and reduction of nutritional deficiencies. 

Dr Anny Manrich participated as a member of the examination board for two Master’s exams and one PhD exam at the Department of Chemical Engineering of the Federal University of São Carlos.

Education:

  • 2001 Bachelor in Food Engineering at the State University of Campinas, Brazil
  • 1999 One year scholarship at the Technical University of Munich
  • 2004 Master in Chemical Engineering at the Federal University of São Carlos, Brazil
  • 2012 PhD in Chemical Engineering at the Federal University of São Carlos, Brazil
  • 2010 One year scholarship at the Technical University of Munich

The main publications of Dr. Anny Manrich are:

Articles

Manrich, A., Moreira, F. K., Otoni, C. G., Lorevice, M. V., Martins, M. A., & Mattoso, L. H. (2017). Hydrophobic edible films made up of tomato cutin and pectin. Carbohydrate Polymers, 164, 83-91.

Mendes, J. F., Norcino, L. B., Martins, H. H. A., Manrich, A., Otoni, C. G., Carvalho, E. E. N., … & Mattoso, L. H. C. (2020). Correlating emulsion characteristics with the properties of active starch films loaded with lemongrass essential oil. Food Hydrocolloids, 100, 105428.

Norcino, L. B., Mendes, J. F., Natarelli, C. V. L., Manrich, A., Oliveira, J. E., & Mattoso, L. H. C. (2020). Pectin films loaded with copaiba oil nanoemulsions for potential use as bio-based active packaging. Food Hydrocolloids, 106, 105862.

Manrich, Anny, et al. Immobilization of trypsin on chitosan gels: Use of different activation protocols and comparison with other supports. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 43.1 (2008): 54-61.

Manrich, Anny; Komesu, Andrea ; Adriano, Wellington Sabino; Tardioli, Paulo Waldir ; Giordano, Raquel Lima Camargo . Immobilization and Stabilization of Xylanase by Multipoint Covalent Attachment on Agarose and on Chitosan Supports. Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology, v. 161, p. 455-467, 2010.

Mendes, J. F., Martins, J. T., Manrich, A., Neto, A. S., Pinheiro, A. C. M., Mattoso, L. H. C., & Martins, M. A. (2019). Development and physical-chemical properties of pectin film reinforced with spent coffee grounds by continuous casting. Carbohydrate polymers, 210, 92-99..

Milessi, T. S., Kopp, W., Rojas, M. J., Manrich, A., Baptista-Neto, A., Tardioli, P. W., … & Giordano, R. L. (2016). Immobilization and stabilization of an endoxylanase from Bacillus subtilis (XynA) for xylooligosaccharides (XOs) production. Catalysis Today, 259, 130-139.

Mendes, J. F., Norcino, L. B., Manrich, A., Pinheiro, A. C. M., Oliveira, J. E., & Mattoso, L. H. C. (2020). Development, physical‐chemical properties, and photodegradation of pectin film reinforced with malt bagasse fibers by continuous casting. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 137(39), 49178.

Mendes, J. F., Martins, J. T., Manrich, A., Luchesi, B. R., Dantas, A. P. S., Vanderlei, R. M., … & Martins, M. A. (2021). Thermo-physical and mechanical characteristics of composites based on high-density polyethylene (HDPE) e spent coffee grounds (SCG). Journal of Polymers and the Environment, 29, 2888-2900..

Mendes, J. F., Norcino, L. B., Martins, H. H., Manrich, A., Otoni, C. G., Carvalho, E. E. N., … & Mattoso, L. H. C. (2021). Development of quaternary nanocomposites made up of cassava starch, cocoa butter, lemongrass essential oil nanoemulsion, and brewery spent grain fibers. Journal of Food Science, 86(5), 1979-1996.

Manrich, A., Martins, M. A., & Mattoso, L. H. C. (2021). Manufacture and performance of peanut skin cellulose nanocrystals. Scientia Agricola, 79.

Nascimento, V. M., Manrich, A., Tardioli, P. W., de Campos Giordano, R., de Moraes Rocha, G. J., & Giordano, R. D. L. C. (2016). Alkaline pretreatment for practicable production of ethanol and xylooligosaccharides. Bioethanol, 2(1)..

Manrich, Anny, de Oliveira, J. E., Martins, M. A., & Mattoso, L. H. C. Physicochemical and Thermal Characterization of the Spirulina platensis. J. Agric. Sci. Technol. B, v. 10, p. 298-307, 2020.

 

Book Chapter

Terra, I. A. A., Aoki, P. H., Delezuk, J. A. D. M., Martins, M. A., Manrich, A., Silva, M. J., … & Miranda, P. B. (2022). Técnicas de Caracterização de Polímeros. Nanotecnologia Aplicada a Polímeros, 614.

 

Conference Papers

Ferreira, L. F., Luvizaro, L. B., Manrich, A., Martins, M. A., Júnior, M. G., & Dias, M. V. (2017). Comparação da estabilidade de suspensões poliméricas de amido/tocoferol e quitosana/tocoferol. In: CONGRESSO BRASILEIRO DE POLÍMEROS, 14., 2017, Águas de Lindóia, SP.

Manrich, A., Hubinger, S. Z., & Paris, E. C. (2017). Citotoxicidade causada por nanomateriais: avaliação do micronúcleo. In: WORKSHOP DA REDE DE NANOTECNOLOGIA APLICADA AO AGRONEGÓCIO, 9., 2017, São Carlos. Anais… São Carlos: Embrapa Instrumentação, 2017. p. 655-658. 

Manrich, Anny, et al. Immobilization and Stabilization of Xylanase by multipoint covalent attachment on Glyoxyl Agarose Support. The 31st Symposium on Biotechnology for Fuels and Chemicals. 2009.

 

Manrich, Anny, et al. Application of immobilized xylanase on hydrolysis of soluble wood hemicelluloses after using microwave and organosolv pre-treatments. The 32nd Symposium on Biotechnology for Fuels and Chemicals. 2010.

 

You can view some of Dr Anny’s work below and links to her professional profile. 

 

Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Anny-Manrich-2  

 

Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=23103497100  

 

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=Ea9qpr0AAAAJ  

 

Linkedin: https://br.linkedin.com/in/anny-manrich-20693129

 


Dr Anny Manrich (PhD)
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In this short article, we will provide an answer to the question, “Is it safe to eat before sleeping?”, and discuss the effect of eating before sleep on sleep quality, the kind of foods you should avoid to get a good night’s sleep and the risks and benefits of eating before sleep on health.

Is it safe to eat before sleeping?

It is safe to eat before sleeping, but it is recommended by dietitians that you leave a three-hour gap between your last meal and sleep. This allows digestion and the stomach contents to flow into the small intestine without being obstructed. In addition, this may assist you in avoiding evening heartburn and, perhaps, restless nights (1).

What is the effect of eating before sleep on sleep quality?

The effect of eating before sleep on sleep quality varies according to the meal’s composition. While some foods can improve sleep quality, other kinds can disturb it.

For example, scientific evidence suggests that high carbohydrate diets are associated with reduced sleep onset latency (the amount of time you need to fall asleep after bed). This type of food also reduces slow-wave sleep.

Therefore, while this type of food may help you fall asleep faster, the quality of brain waves during sleep may be affected.

High-fat diets promote lower sleep efficiency and rapid eye movement sleep (REM), the deeper sleep phase essential for restorative sleep. Thus, these are some of the types of foods that most impair the quality of sleep.

Some foods, such as milk products, fish, fruit, and vegetables, also show sleep-promoting effects, but more research is needed to draw definitive conclusions.

Additionally, there is evidence to indicate that the time of food consumption impacts sleep quality and quantity. Food may cause the brain’s alertness response to be activated, making it more difficult to fall asleep after eating.

While we suggest that you avoid late-night eating, we also recommend avoiding going to sleep hungry. Even while sleeping, your body needs the energy to function correctly. Going to bed hungry or skipping meals depletes your body’s ability to regenerate and heal itself, resulting in fatigue (1–4). 

What kind of foods should I avoid to get a good night’s sleep? 5 foods that harm your night’s sleep.

You should avoid foods that are primarily stimulants or high in fat. Below, we will outline some of the main culprits that can negatively impact your sleep quality.

  • Chocolate:

Due to its significant caffeine content, chocolate is not recommended as a late-night snack option. Caffeine can make you alert and increase your heart rate, making it harder to fall asleep. It is recommended to avoid caffeine-containing meals and beverages between four and six hours before sleep.

  • Cheddar Cheese:

Strong or aged cheeses, as well as preserved meats like bacon, ham, and pepperoni, contain high levels of the amino acid tyramine, which can make us feel alert and energized after consuming them. Tyramine activates the adrenal gland, causing it to secrete the “fight or flight” hormone, temporarily increasing alertness for a short period.

  • Spices:

Hot sauces, curries, and mustard, among other spicy foods, contain high amounts of capsaicin. This compound interferes with the body’s thermoregulation system, raising body temperature and causing sleep disturbances. 

  • Alcohol:

Alcohol can disrupt the normal sleep cycle, leading to poorer quality sleep. It can increase the number of times you wake up during the night, reduce deep sleep, and exacerbate sleep disorders. Additionally, alcohol can cause dehydration and lead to feelings of fatigue and grogginess the next day.

  • Ice Cream:

Ice cream and other sweet treats increase blood sugar levels throughout the day, which then decreases while sleeping at night. A decrease in blood sugar alerts the adrenals that an emergency has occurred, resulting in a rise in cortisol levels and the body waking up (2,3,5).

What are the risks of eating before sleep on health?

The effects of eating before sleep on the heath are more associated with the risk of metabolic diseases, as described below:

  • Obesity

Consuming more calories than we expend as energy is one of the reasons that contribute to obesity since excess fat is stored in the body as a result of overeating. 

During the rest period, our body is not properly equipped for the digestion process, which alters the production of hormones related to energy control, thus facilitating weight gain.

  • Diabetes

If your blood sugar levels become unusually high and your body is unable or unwilling to produce enough insulin to keep them under control, you are said to have diabetes. 

This condition can be exacerbated by consuming food before sleeping for the same reasons mentioned in the previous section. This is due to the dysregulation of hormones responsible for metabolizing consumed glucose.

  • Heart Problems

Heart disease is a broad phrase that includes any diseases that affect the cardiovascular system, such as congenital heart defects, hypertension, and arrhythmias, among other things. 

A frequent diet of processed foods, especially late at night, has been proven to limit blood flow and cause arterial clogging with cholesterol and fatty deposits (4,6,7).

What are the benefits of eating before sleep on health?

The benefits of eating before sleep on health are also related to the quantity and quality of meals. While avoiding eating a large meal right before bed is generally recommended, there are some benefits to having a small snack before sleep. Here are a few potential benefits:

  • Improved sleep quality

A small snack can help stabilize blood sugar levels and prevent hunger, leading to better sleep quality.

  • Increased muscle recovery

Snack that contains protein before bed can help promote muscle recovery and growth during sleep.

  • Reduced morning hunger

Eating a small snack before bed can help reduce morning hunger and prevent overeating at breakfast.

  • Improved metabolism 

A small snack before bed can help boost metabolism and promote weight loss, as long as the snack is healthy and not too high in calories.

It’s important to note that the type of snack you choose is essential. Avoid foods high in sugar or fat, as these can disrupt sleep and lead to weight gain. Instead, choose a snack high in protein and low in sugar, such as a small serving of Greek yogurt or a handful of nuts.

Remember, it’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian before making any significant changes to your diet (8-11).

Conclusion

In this brief article, we provided an answer to the question, “Is it safe to eat before sleeping?” and discussed the effects of eating before sleep on sleep quality, the types of foods that should be avoided for a good night’s sleep, and the risks and benefits of eating before sleep on health.

Citations

1. St-Onge MP, Mikic A, Pietrolungo CE. Effects of Diet on Sleep Quality. Adv Nutr. 2016 Sep 1;7(5):938–49.Is it safe to eat before sleeping?

2. St-Onge MP, Pizinger T, Kovtun K, RoyChoudhury A. Sleep and meal timing influence food intake and its hormonal regulation in healthy adults with overweight/obesity. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2019 Jul;72(Suppl 1):76–82.

3. Baron KG, Reid KJ, Horn LV, Zee PC. Contribution of evening macronutrient intake to total caloric intake and body mass index. Appetite. 2013 Jan;60(1):246–51.

4. Dashti HS, Scheer FA, Jacques PF, Lamon-Fava S, Ordovás JM. Short sleep duration and dietary intake: epidemiologic evidence, mechanisms, and health implications. Adv Nutr Bethesda Md. 2015 Nov;6(6):648–59.

5. Ferranti R, Marventano S, Castellano S, Giogianni G, Nolfo F, Rametta S, et al. Sleep quality and duration is related with diet and obesity in young adolescent living in Sicily, Southern Italy. Sleep Sci. 2016 Apr 1;9(2):117–22.

6. Health I of M (US) C on D and, Woteki CE, Thomas PR. Fats, Cholesterol, And Chronic Diseases. In: Eat for Life: The Food and Nutrition Board’s Guide to Reducing Your Risk of Chronic Disease . National Academies Press (US); 1992. 

7. Doherty R, Madigan S, Warrington G, Ellis J. Sleep and Nutrition Interactions: Implications for Athletes. Nutrients. 2019 Apr 11;11(4):822.

8. Sofer S, Eliraz A, Kaplan S, Voet H, Fink G, Kima T, et al. Greater weight loss and hormonal changes after 6 months diet with carbohydrates eaten mostly at dinner. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2011 Oct;19(10):2006–14. 

9. Kinsey AW, Eddy WR, Madzima TA, Panton LB, Arciero PJ, Kim JS, et al. Influence of night-time protein and carbohydrate intake on appetite and cardiometabolic risk in sedentary overweight and obese women. Br J Nutr. 2014 Aug 14;112(3):320–7. 

10. Peuhkuri K, Sihvola N, Korpela R. Diet promotes sleep duration and quality. Nutr Res. 2012 May;32(5):309–19. 

11. Res PT, Groen B, Pennings B, Beelen M, Wallis GA, Gijsen AP, et al. Protein ingestion before sleep improves postexercise overnight recovery. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2012 Aug;44(8):1560–9.