Dietitians Warn Against Eating One Food Before Bed for Better Sleep

Key Points:

• Registered dietitians caution against consuming high-sodium canned soups before bed due to their potential to cause acid reflux, bloating, and disrupted sleep, despite their "healthy" reputation.
• High sodium intake at night can exceed daily recommended limits, with a single can of soup potentially providing 50% of the American Heart Association’s advised 1,500-2,300 mg daily sodium limit, which may negatively impact blood pressure and heart health.
• Experts recommend stopping eating two to three hours before lying down to aid digestion and improve sleep quality, as food can remain in the stomach for up to three hours.
• Healthier dinner alternatives to high-sodium soup include homemade or low-sodium soups with added vegetables and protein, grain bowls combining fiber, protein, and healthy fats, and slow cooker meals that are gentle on digestion.
• The key to a sleep-supportive dinner is choosing nutrient-rich, less processed foods that support digestion and do not overload the body with sodium close to bedtime.