After a long day at work, everyone craves a good night’s sleep. But what if you face interruptions in your sleep cycle? According to a global view of different nutritionists and dieticians, there is a direct relationship between what you eat for your dinner and good sleep. They firmly believe certain foods, especially those commonly enjoyed in India, can interfere with your sleep cycle. Here are five Indian foods you might want to avoid before bedtime to help improve the quality of your sleep. They act like sleep stealers
Deep-fried snacks: Deep-fried foods (e.g., Samosas, Pakoras, and bhajis) not only harm gut health but are heavy and difficult to digest, especially late in the day. As the body is in a restful position at night, it is unable to burn these high-calorie foods, leading to bloating and indigestion. This keeps you up longer and makes you feel uncomfortable during the night. Moreover, the unburnt and stored fats will result in weight gain.
Tip- Opting for lighter, baked, or steamed snacks in the evening can support better digestion and sleep quality.
Dal or Paneer makhani: Rich and full of fats, cream, and spices, Indian curries can cause acid reflux, heartburn, and an increase in body temperature. Spicy foods which are made with chilli, garam masala, and pepper, will lead to discomfort at night, making it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. Tip- Lighter dals with less added fat, such as moong or masoor, are preferable.
Traditional Indian breads like naan and parathas– Although delicious, these Indian breads are rich in refined flour, fat, and carbohydrates. Parathas are made with wheat/maida and fried in oil or ghee, whereas naan, made only with maida is baked in tandoor and brushed with saturated butter. They both are particularly pleasant when packed, like Aloo or Paneer. However, due to its high-calorie content and high fat and carb content, they are difficult to digest at night. Naan has few nutrients and many calories, which can cause indigestion and bloating.
Tip- Opting for whole wheat or multigrain roti as a substitute provides a lighter and healthier option for dinner.
Biryani: Biryani, while a popular and flavourful rice dish, is packed with fats and calories. Just a small serving can contain 500–700 calories, making it an unsuitable choice for those looking to avoid weight gain or late-night digestive issues. High in spices and oil, biryani can lead to indigestion and discomfort, making it difficult to fall asleep.
Tip- If you’re craving rice at night, consider plain basmati rice or vegetable pulao for a lighter alternative.
