Are you a person who snacks before bed, or do you avoid eating for several hours before sleeping? Bedtime snacking is controversial, and even the experts are divided on what’s the best course of action. Let’s look at different aspects of this issue, so you can make your own decision as to whether or not to eat that midnight snack.

• How does bedtime snacking affect digestion? For some people, eating too soon before going to bed can trigger acid reflux, heartburn, indigestion or an upset stomach. This is especially true if a person has eaten fatty, greasy, or spicy foods, or caffeinated, alcoholic, or carbonated beverages. If these issues are a problem, it may help to keep the evening meal light and wait a few hours after eating to lie down.
• What about weight gain? It’s possible that eating before bed can cause weight gain, but it’s more likely that the habits accompanying your snack could be to blame. When a bedtime snack raises your daily calorie count over what’s healthy for you, or you eat it while sitting in front of the tv or your computer, it’s likely to cause weight gain.
• How is sleep quality impacted by nighttime snacking? For some people, a small, healthy snack before bedtime can lead to better quality sleep. If that’s you, it may actually help you maintain a healthy weight, because sleep deprivation can lead to overeating.
• A bedtime snack might be good for your blood sugar. The liver produces extra glucose in the morning to provide energy, and this can be detrimental for some diabetics, who wake up with high blood sugar even If they haven’t eaten since the night before. For other people, low blood sugar is a problem in the middle of the night. Some studies indicate that a snack before bedtime can help even out blood sugar.
• If you’re going to snack, snack wisely. Skip the junk food, instead choosing complex carbs like whole grains, fruits, or vegetables, paired with protein or a small amount of fat.

The bottom line? Do what works for you. Pay attention to your body’s signals, consider discussing it with your doctor, and you’ll be able to determine if you should stop eating early in the evening or if it’s ok to indulge in a midnight snack.

Wherever you fall on the snack decision, we hope you’re heading to bed in a comfortable, well-appointed bedroom. If your bedroom furniture could use an update, you owe it to yourself to check out Mancini's Sleepworld. Since 1969, the Mancini family has owned and operated their store in Sunnyvale, CA, selling brand name mattresses at fair prices and treating every customer with respect. Beginning an expansion in 1989, the Mancinis now have 33 locations across the greater bay area, allowing for same-day mattress delivery in most cases. To learn more about Mancini's Sleepworld, contact us through our website or call 800-647-5337.