Randy Chandler
Eating cheese at night is a topic of debate. While some believe that cheese causes nightmares or vivid dreams, there is no definitive link between the two. However, cheese contains an amino acid called tryptophan, which is necessary for making serotonin and melatonin, sleep-promoting chemicals. On the other hand, cheese also contains tyramine, a compound that causes the brain to release stimulating 'fight or flight' hormones, which may disrupt sleep. Additionally, eating any food late at night can affect sleep quality, and cheese may be blamed for the negative effects of a heavy meal before bed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| High in protein | Yes |
| Contains tryptophan | Yes |
| Contains tyramine | Yes |
| May cause reflux or stomach issues | Yes |
| May cause indigestion or heartburn | Yes |
| May cause nightmares or vivid dreams | Yes |
| May disrupt sleep | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
Cheese may cause indigestion or heartburn
Eating cheese at night is a debatable topic. While some people believe that cheese causes indigestion or heartburn, others claim that it promotes sleep.
Cheese is a rich source of protein from whey, casein, and alpha-lactalbumin, which contribute to the amino acid tryptophan. Tryptophan is often blamed for making people drowsy, especially after eating a large Thanksgiving meal. However, it is necessary for producing serotonin and melatonin, which are sleep-promoting chemicals. Cottage cheese and hard cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan are high in tryptophan and may aid sleep.
On the other hand, cheese is also high in lactose, which can cause gas, bloating, and diarrhea, leading to indigestion and heartburn. These symptoms can disrupt sleep and make people feel unwell. Additionally, eating too much fat or sugar before bed can increase body temperature, making it difficult to fall asleep.
Some people also believe that eating cheese at night can cause nightmares or vivid dreams. While there is anecdotal evidence to support this claim, there is no definitive link between cheese consumption and disturbing dreams. However, a study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that 17% of participants reported disturbing or bizarre dreams after consuming certain foods, with cheese being the most commonly reported.
Overall, while cheese may have sleep-promoting properties due to its tryptophan content, it can also cause indigestion or heartburn due to its lactose content and high-fat content. It is important to consider individual sensitivities and consume cheese in moderation to avoid any negative side effects.
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Certain cheeses can improve sleep quality
While cheese is often considered a comfort food, it is also believed to be one of the worst foods to eat before bed. Strong or aged cheese, as well as preserved meats like bacon and ham, contains high levels of the amino acid tyramine, which increases alertness by stimulating the release of the 'fight or flight' hormone. However, certain types of cheese are rich in nutrients like tryptophan, calcium, and protein, which can improve sleep quality.
Tryptophan is an amino acid that is necessary for the production of serotonin and melatonin, which are sleep-promoting chemicals. Cottage cheese and hard cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan are high in tryptophan and may benefit sleep. A study by St-Onge et al. in 2023 explored the role of dairy products in sleep quality, suggesting a link between dairy consumption and improved sleep.
Cheeses with higher tryptophan levels may help you sleep longer and balance blood sugar levels overnight. Additionally, protein-rich foods like cheese can contribute to the production of tryptophan, which may encourage feelings of sleepiness. Red Leicester and Cheshire cheese have been reported to aid sleep, with some participants in a study reporting dreamless nights and feelings of being well-rested.
However, it is important to note that late-night eating, especially foods high in fat or sugar, can disrupt sleep due to the body's need to burn off the extra calories, creating heat and disturbing the natural drop in body temperature required for a good night's rest. Additionally, cheese's high lactose content may cause indigestion or heartburn in those with reflux or lactose intolerance, potentially leading to vivid dreams or nightmares.
While the impact of cheese consumption before bed is debatable, certain cheeses rich in tryptophan and other nutrients can potentially improve sleep quality. However, individual sensitivities, lactose intolerance, and the timing of consumption should also be considered to avoid any adverse effects on sleep.
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Cheese may cause nightmares or vivid dreams
While there is no definitive link between eating cheese at night and having nightmares, some sources suggest that cheese can cause vivid dreams. A study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology interviewed 396 college students about how food affected their dreams. Researchers found that 17% of participants said eating certain foods resulted in disturbing or bizarre dreams, with cheese being the most common culprit.
Cheese contains a compound called tyramine, which causes the adrenal gland to release stimulating 'fight or flight' hormones, increasing alertness for a few hours. This may be why some people experience vivid dreams after eating cheese at night. However, it's important to note that individual lactose intolerances may also play a role, as lactose can cause gas, bloating, and diarrhoea, which can influence dreams.
Additionally, the British Cheese Board conducted a study in 2015 that ruled out cheese as a cause of nightmares. Instead, they found that certain types of cheese, such as Red Leicester and Cheshire Cheese, actually encouraged a good night's sleep and dreamless nights.
Furthermore, cheese contains tryptophan, an amino acid that contributes to the production of sleep-promoting chemicals like serotonin and melatonin. Cheeses high in tryptophan, such as cottage cheese, mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan, may benefit sleep.
Overall, while there is some anecdotal evidence that cheese may cause vivid dreams, there is also research suggesting that certain types of cheese can promote a good night's sleep. Individual differences in lactose tolerance may play a role in how cheese affects dream patterns.
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Strong or aged cheese contains high levels of tyramine
Tyramine is an amino acid that occurs naturally in some cheeses, particularly those that are strong or aged. When consumed, tyramine causes the adrenal gland to release adrenaline, a hormone that increases alertness and prepares the body for potential threats. This "fight or flight" response can be beneficial during the day but may be undesirable at night, potentially disrupting sleep by making individuals feel more alert.
The impact of tyramine on sleep is not limited to cheese consumption. Other foods, such as cured, smoked, and processed meats, also contain high levels of tyramine. These foods may have similar effects on sleep patterns if consumed close to bedtime. It is worth noting that the temperature of the food also plays a role, with tyramine levels increasing in food that is left at room temperature.
While strong or aged cheeses contain higher levels of tyramine, not all cheeses will have the same impact. Some cheeses, such as cottage cheese, are high in tryptophan, calcium, and protein, which are sleep-friendly nutrients that may promote better sleep. Additionally, hard cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan are also considered sleep-friendly due to their high tryptophan content.
The relationship between cheese and sleep is complex. While the tyramine in strong or aged cheeses may increase alertness, other cheeses contain sleep-promoting nutrients. It is important to consider individual preferences and sensitivities when deciding whether to consume cheese before bed, as it may impact sleep quality and dream intensity differently for each person.
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Eating late at night may affect sleep quality
Cheese is a food that has been reputed to induce vivid dreams or nightmares if consumed late at night. However, there is no definitive link between eating cheese at night and having bizarre dreams. Anecdotal evidence suggests that cheese can cause more vivid dreams, with 17% of participants in a study reporting that eating cheese resulted in disturbing dreams. While there is no evidence that dairy products influence dreams in the general population, it is possible that people with lactose intolerance may be affected.
Cheese contains tyramine, a naturally occurring compound that causes the brain to release stimulating 'fight or flight' hormones, which may increase alertness. Tyramine levels are higher in strong or aged cheeses, preserved meats, and when food is at room temperature. However, cheese also contains tryptophan, an amino acid that encourages feelings of sleepiness and is necessary for making sleep-promoting chemicals. Cottage cheese, mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan are high in tryptophan and may benefit sleep.
Other foods that may disrupt sleep include those that are high in sugar, such as ice cream and sweets, which can cause blood sugar levels to spike and then crash during sleep, increasing cortisol levels and waking the body. Salty foods, such as crisps and salted nuts, can also disrupt sleep by increasing water retention and boosting blood pressure, leading to frequent awakenings. Caffeine, found in chocolate, coffee, tea, and energy drinks, is another stimulant that should be avoided before sleep, as it can cause rapid eye movement (REM) and decrease time spent in deep sleep.
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Frequently asked questions
There are conflicting opinions on this. Some sources say that cheese is one of the worst foods to eat before bed because it contains high levels of the amino acid tyramine, which makes us feel alert. However, other sources say that cheese is rich in tryptophan, a nutrient involved in synthesising the hormone melatonin, which is released at night and involved in sleep.
Cheese contains a naturally occurring compound called tyramine, which causes the brain to release stimulating 'fight or flight' hormones. Eating food at room temperature also increases tyramine levels. Strong or aged cheese, as well as preserved meats such as bacon, ham and pepperoni, are particularly high in tyramine.
Dairy products, including cheeses, are rich in protein from whey, casein, and alpha-lactalbumin (A-LAC), which are contributors of tryptophan. Tryptophan is an amino acid necessary for making serotonin and melatonin, sleep-promoting chemicals that naturally occur in your body. Cheeses high in tryptophan include cottage cheese and hard cheeses such as mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan.
Yes, some people experience indigestion or heartburn after eating cheese at night, especially if they are lactose intolerant. A 2015 study also found that dairy products were the foods most frequently reported as causing disturbing dreams.
Yes, you should try to avoid caffeine, chocolate, chips, citrus fruits and ice cream. Caffeine can cause REM to occur more frequently, making you feel groggy in the morning. Chocolate contains caffeine and decreases time spent in deep sleep. Chips are high in salt, which can cause frequent awakenings. Citrus drinks are highly acidic, which may cause heartburn. Ice cream can cause blood sugar spikes and crashes, which can wake you up.
