1 week ago
24
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Eating late at night, especially close to bedtime, can be harmful to your health. In particular, consuming food after 09:00 PM may raise the risk of stroke by up to 28 percent.
This is linked to the body's circadian rhythm, which is the internal 24-hour cycle that regulates various physiological processes. Eating at inappropriate times can disrupt the body’s peripheral clocks, which play a key role in maintaining heart and blood vessel function.
In addition to the nighttime eating cycle, as quoted from WebMD and Healthline, the following foods can also worsen your health.
1. Oily Foods
Oily foods contain high levels of saturated fat, which are known to be more difficult for the body to digest compared to other types of nutrients. When these types of foods are consumed at night, particularly close to bedtime, they can cause digestive disturbances.
At night, the body’s metabolic and digestive activities naturally slow down as it prepares for rest. If saturated fats are introduced during this time, when the stomach is not functioning at its optimal level, it can lead to the production of excess stomach acid.
This acid may then rise toward the esophagus, increasing the risk of acid reflux and potentially disrupting the quality of sleep.
2. Spicy Foods
Spicy foods often lead to stomach discomfort once consumed. Eating them close to bedtime can significantly worsen digestive issues. Similar to high-fat foods, spicy dishes can trigger an increase in stomach acid, which may travel up into the esophagus.
This upward flow of acid can result in irritation or a burning sensation in the esophageal lining, ultimately disturbing both digestion and sleep quality.
3. Sweet Foods
Sweet foods like chocolate are not ideal for consumption before sleep, as their high sugar content can lead to a spike in blood glucose levels that interferes with sleep quality.
Over time, consistently elevated glucose levels may contribute to weight gain, and if this habit persists, it can increase the risk of developing obesity.
4. Fibrous Foods
High-fiber foods are always recommended to aid digestion. However, it should be noted that fiber is actually a component that is difficult to be processed by the human digestive system. Foods with high fiber content can cause bloating if consumed before bed.
However, hunger at night seems difficult to control. Especially for those with gastritis, an empty stomach should not be left for too long. Therefore, to prevent this, replace these foods with grains such as walnuts or almonds.
In addition to grains, yogurt can also be another alternative. Apart from helping to improve sleep quality, yogurt is also rich in melatonin, which can help you wake up feeling fresher.
Maintaining a healthy eating schedule is just as important as choosing the right types of food. By avoiding heavy, oily, or sugary meals before bed and opting for lighter alternatives like yogurt or nuts, you can protect your digestive health and improve sleep quality.
Being mindful of nighttime eating habits not only supports better rest but also reduces the risk of long-term health issues such as stroke, obesity, and acid reflux.
Mohammad Hatta Muarabagja contributed to the writing of this article.
Editor’s Choice: Here's Why Bright Light Disrupts Sleep, Beware of the Risks
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Here's Why Bright Light Disrupts Sleep, Beware of the Risks
11 jam lalu
Exposure to bright light can disrupt the production of melatonin, the sleep-regulating hormone, and thus affect sleep patterns and even health.
Back to Work: Tips to Restore Your Daily Rhythm and After Eid Holiday
2 hari lalu
In order to restore the work rhythm to its original state and regain productivity post-Eid holiday, resetting the sleeping pattern is essential.
Taste Paris Like a Local: 5 Tips for Affordable, Authentic Food Finds
2 hari lalu
Popular tourist spots, including those on social media, have made it difficult for travelers to find affordable and authentic culinary experiences in Paris.
Post-Eid Food Prices Show Decline, Says Bapanas
2 hari lalu
The National Food Security Agency (Bapanas) claims the availability and prices of several food commodities have started to decrease post-Eid 2025.
Detox After Eid: The Best Foods to Cleanse and Rebalance
5 hari lalu
Detoxification can be an option to restore health performance after consuming various foods during Eid.
5 Health Risks of Overindulging in Coconut Milk Based Foods
5 hari lalu
Consuming coconut milk-based foods excessively can have negative impacts on health.
Eid Without Worries: 8 Smart Eating Tips to Keep Health Complications Away
9 hari lalu
Manage a smart, healthy eating pattern during Eid to prevent health complications and enjoy the celebration comfortably and safely.
7 Essential Tips for Maintaining Your Health After Ramadan
9 hari lalu
Discover 7 tips to keep your body healthy after Ramadan fasting to regain fitness and health with a balanced lifestyle.
How to Enjoy Eid al-Fitr Foods While Staying Healthy
9 hari lalu
Here are the do's and don'ts according to health experts to avoid health problems after celebrating Eid al-Fitr in 2025.
Countries with the Spiciest Food: Ready to Take the Heat?
13 hari lalu
Discover countries with the spiciest food in the world, where every bite bursts with fiery and rich flavors that reflect the unique character of each.
