Patrick Oconnell
Swiss cheese is a low-lactose cheese that is high in tryptophan, an amino acid that encourages the release of melatonin, a hormone that helps to decrease the time it takes to fall asleep, increases sleepiness, and may also increase the amount of time you spend asleep. Swiss cheese is also high in calcium, which is effective in stress reduction and the stabilization of nerve fibers, allowing for relaxation. While some believe that cheese causes nightmares, there is no definitive link between eating cheese and nightmares. In fact, a study by the British Cheese Board found that certain types of cheese, including Swiss cheese, actually encourage a good night's sleep.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nutrients | Tryptophan, calcium, protein |
| Effect on sleep | Promotes the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that encourages the body to relax and manages the sleep cycle |
| Effect on dreams | No link between Swiss cheese consumption and nightmares; may cause vivid dreams |
| Health benefits | Stress reduction, stabilisation of nerve fibres, improves calcium levels |
| Recommended consumption | Consume as a snack, not as a heavy meal, before bed |
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What You'll Learn
- Swiss cheese is a good source of tryptophan, which promotes sleep
- It's also high in calcium, which helps reduce stress and stabilise nerve fibres
- Swiss cheese is low-lactose, so it's suitable for most people with lactose intolerance
- Eating cheese before bed won't cause nightmares, despite the common myth
- Heavy meals before bed can disrupt sleep, so cheese should be eaten as a snack
Swiss cheese is a good source of tryptophan, which promotes sleep
Cheese is also a source of calcium, which is important for sleep. Calcium helps to reduce stress and stabilize nerve fibers, allowing the nervous system to relax. This can help to improve sleep quality.
In addition to Swiss cheese, other types of cheese that are high in tryptophan include cottage cheese, mozzarella, Cheddar, and Parmesan. These cheeses may also help promote sleep. However, it is important to note that heavy meals before bed can lead to poor sleep quality, so it is recommended to consume cheese in moderation as a snack rather than a large meal.
While Swiss cheese may promote sleep due to its tryptophan and calcium content, it is important to consider individual tolerances. For those with reflux issues or lactose intolerance, consuming cheese before bed may cause digestive problems and disrupt sleep. Overall, Swiss cheese can be a good bedtime snack for those who tolerate it well, promoting relaxation and a restful night's sleep.
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It's also high in calcium, which helps reduce stress and stabilise nerve fibres
Swiss cheese may help you sleep, and it's not just because it's delicious. It's also a good source of calcium, offering about 200 milligrams in one ounce of cheddar (that's 15% of your daily value). Calcium is known to reduce stress and stabilize nerve fibres, which means your nervous system becomes more settled, allowing for relaxation.
Some studies have suggested a link between poor sleep and low calcium intake, so eating Swiss cheese may increase calcium levels over time, helping you get a better night's rest. It's not just your body that starts to relax after you eat cheese—the calcium can also affect the nerve fibres in your brain.
Swiss cheese is also a good source of tryptophan, an amino acid that promotes the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that encourages the body to relax and is an integral part of managing your sleep cycle. It's important to note that while Swiss cheese may be beneficial for sleep due to its calcium and tryptophan content, heavy meals before bed can lead to poor-quality sleep. So, it's best to enjoy Swiss cheese as a snack a few hours before bedtime rather than as part of a large meal.
Additionally, Swiss cheese is a low-lactose cheese, making it a good option for those with lactose intolerance. However, for individuals with reflux issues or lactose intolerance, consuming cheese close to bedtime may cause problems. Therefore, it is advisable to consume cheese as a snack a few hours before bedtime rather than right before sleeping.
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Swiss cheese is low-lactose, so it's suitable for most people with lactose intolerance
While cheese is a good source of tryptophan, a sleep-promoting amino acid, it is also high in protein, which may cause reflux or stomach issues in those who are lactose intolerant. Swiss cheese is low-lactose, so it is suitable for most people with lactose intolerance.
Swiss cheese is one of the low-lactose cheeses that most people with lactose intolerance can usually tolerate. Other low-lactose cheeses include Parmesan, Cheddar, and Camembert. For those with lactose intolerance, eating foods containing lactose could disrupt their sleep patterns. Therefore, opting for low-lactose cheeses like Swiss cheese may help improve sleep without causing adverse reactions.
Swiss cheese is also a good source of tryptophan, an amino acid that promotes the release of serotonin and melatonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that encourages relaxation and helps manage sleep cycles. Melatonin, on the other hand, helps reduce the time it takes to fall asleep and may increase sleep duration.
In addition to its sleep-promoting benefits, Swiss cheese is also a good source of calcium. Calcium plays a role in stress reduction and the stabilization of nerve fibers, contributing to overall relaxation. It is worth noting that while Swiss cheese may be suitable for most people with lactose intolerance, individual tolerances may vary.
Overall, Swiss cheese's low-lactose content, combined with its tryptophan and calcium levels, makes it a suitable option for those with lactose intolerance who are looking for a bedtime snack to promote better sleep. However, it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or a dietician for personalized advice regarding lactose intolerance and sleep.
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Eating cheese before bed won't cause nightmares, despite the common myth
Eating cheese before bed has long been thought to cause nightmares. However, this is just a common myth. While cheese does contain tyramine, a naturally occurring compound that causes the brain to release stimulating 'fight or flight' hormones, it will not cause vivid, terrifying nightmares, as is often claimed. In fact, eating cheese before bed may even improve your sleep.
Cheese is a good source of tryptophan, an amino acid that encourages the release of melatonin, the hormone that helps decrease the time it takes to fall asleep, increases sleepiness, and may also increase the amount of time you spend asleep. Tryptophan also encourages the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that encourages the body to relax and is an integral part of managing your sleep cycle. Low-fat cheeses, such as cottage cheese and hard cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan, are particularly high in tryptophan.
Cheese is also high in calcium, which is effective in stress reduction and the stabilization of nerve fibers, allowing the nervous system to relax. Some studies suggest a link between poor sleep and low calcium intake, so eating cheese may increase calcium levels over time to help get a better night's rest.
While eating cheese before bed may not be a problem for most people, it could cause reflux or stomach issues in those who are lactose intolerant. Heavy meals before bed can also lead to poor-quality sleep, so it's best to focus on cheese as a snack rather than eating a large amount right before bed.
In summary, while the idea that eating cheese before bed will cause nightmares is a common myth, cheese can actually be a sleep-friendly snack, providing nutrients like tryptophan, calcium, and protein that can promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.
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Heavy meals before bed can disrupt sleep, so cheese should be eaten as a snack
Eating heavy meals before bed can cause your body to work harder through digestion, which can lead to poor-quality sleep. Therefore, it is advisable to opt for a snack instead of a full meal before bedtime. Cheese, particularly low-fat varieties, can be a good snack option as it contains tryptophan, an amino acid that promotes the release of serotonin and melatonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that encourages relaxation and supports sleep cycle management, while melatonin helps reduce sleep latency, increases sleepiness, and may prolong sleep duration.
Cheeses such as cottage cheese, mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan, Swiss, and Camembert are high in tryptophan, calcium, and protein, all of which can contribute to better sleep. Calcium, for instance, plays a role in stress reduction and the stabilization of nerve fibers, promoting relaxation. Additionally, a study by the British Cheese Board found no link between cheese consumption and nightmares. Instead, most participants reported sleeping well, possibly due to the high tryptophan content in the cheeses.
However, it is important to consider individual differences when consuming cheese before bed. For those with reflux issues, acid reflux, or lactose intolerance, cheese may cause problems such as indigestion, heartburn, or other digestive issues, which can disrupt sleep. In such cases, it is recommended to consume cheese earlier in the evening or opt for lower-lactose cheeses like Parmesan, cheddar, Swiss, or Camembert.
While cheese can be a sleep-friendly snack, it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced bedtime snack. Combining cheese with crackers or apple slices, for instance, provides carbohydrates and protein, satisfying the appetite and promoting continuous restful sleep. Overall, while heavy meals before bed can disrupt sleep, cheese in moderation can be a helpful snack for improving sleep quality.
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Frequently asked questions
No, this is a common myth. There is no definitive link between eating cheese and having nightmares. In fact, a 2005 study by the British Cheese Board found that most of the 200 participants slept very well.
Swiss cheese is a good source of tryptophan, an amino acid that encourages the release of melatonin. Melatonin helps you fall asleep faster, increases sleepiness, and may increase the amount of time you spend asleep.
Yes, Swiss cheese is also high in calcium, which is effective in stress reduction and the stabilisation of nerve fibres. This allows your nervous system to relax, which can aid sleep.
Yes, eating heavy meals before bed may cause your body to work harder through digestion, leading to poor-quality sleep. If you have acid reflux or lactose intolerance, eating Swiss cheese before bed may also cause problems.
Foods that are high in melatonin include cherries, bananas, almonds, and turkey. Carbohydrate-rich foods like popcorn and apple slices can also aid sleep by making tryptophan more available to the brain.
