It would be linked to a general deterioration of sleep.
We have known it for a long time: food has a deep impact on the quality of our sleep. What we eat can either help us fall asleep peacefully, or disturb our nights with insomnia and worse, nightmares. To determine what were the worst sleep for sleep, researchers from the Montreal Sleeping Medicine Research Center analyzed eating habits, sleep quality and the frequency of nightmares of 1,082 adults (721 women, 338 men) aged 17 to 54.
The study showed that two types of food had a strong impact on sleep quality: desserts/ sweets increased the intensity of nightmares by 31% and associated sleep disorders. Another type of food increased the risk of making nightmares and therefore, having a poor quality sleep of 22%, can be read in this recent study, published in Frontiers in Psychology. This observation is all the more worrying that 8 out of 10 French people would consume it every day.
This food, omnipresent on our plates, is the dairy product. Whether milk, cheese or yogurts, daily and significant consumption has been clearly associated with an increase in nightmares and a general sleep degradation. It is not specified from how exactly dairy products the researchers observed an impact on sleep and nightmares. The study indicates an association with “daily and important consumption”, but without giving specific figures in terms of grams or portions. The exact mechanisms are still under study, but a hypothesis relates to the digestion of lactic proteins which would disturb paradoxical sleep, the sleep phase where dreams, especially nightmares, are the most lively and memorable. The study results directly contradict the popular idea and often advised to drink a glass of milk before sleeping to promote good sleep.
To sleep better and avoid nightmares, some simple adjustments are essential: reduce its consumption of dairy products, especially in the evening. Favor light and easy to digest dinners. Avoid exciting (coffee, tea) after 4 p.m. Finally, establishing a relaxing routine before sleeping: a lukewarm shower, reading or relaxation exercises can do wonders.
