Jodelle Judor

The digestive system is incredibly complicated. Various factors influence gut health, with bloating, diarrhea, pain, and constipation being common ailments.

Sleep may affect digestion because the stomach continues to work while a person is asleep.

Eating just before sleeping can have a significant effect and lead to a variety of symptoms that can disrupt sleep. These include:

Here are some tips to help digestion before going to bed:

Like all functional areas of the body, the digestive system needs plenty of time to rest and recover from daily life. It is not a good idea to eat a big meal before bedtime, as it forces the digestive system to keep working. A light snack, such as an apple or some avocado toast, is a better idea.

Complex carbohydrates, fruits, vegetables, or a small dose of protein can deal with hunger pangs.

Some people believe the ideal time to eat an evening meal is 3 hours before going to bed. This gives the stomach time to digest the food properly. It moves into the small intestine and can prevent problems, such as heartburn.

Once a person lies down, the stomach contents can reflux into the esophagus, which can lead to heartburn or chest discomfort. Food intake prompts the body to release insulin, affecting a person’s internal body clock and increasing wakefulness.

Avoid drinking coffee late at night, as coffee is a stimulant and can contribute to sleeplessness.

Other drinks to avoid include sodas, tea with sugar, and hot chocolate. This will also decrease the chances of having to urinate in the middle of the night.