This eating habit could be disrupting your sleep...

It’s a well known fact that sugar isn’t good for your health, but did you know that it could be having a major impact on your sleep too?

Word on the sleep is...

Research has shown that sugar increases restlessness and reduces sleep quality. As a nutritionist, if someone comes to me with poor sleep quality or insomnia, one of the first things we check is what they eat for their evening meals (and snacks). 

When you eat sugar, your blood sugar rises which signals your pancreas to release insulin. The insulin then helps take the sugar back into your body cells, which acts like a fuel supply. This is how eating sugar late at night overstimulates you and gives you energy to make you ready for activity - which is the opposite of what we want at night!

Additionally, research confirms that there is a vicious cycle surrounding sugar consumption and bad sleep. Sugar not only disrupts your sleep, but inadequate sleep also influences your sugar intake. The more tired you are the next day, the more sugar you will likely crave and indulge in. It's a two-way street!

Indulging in sugar before bed may also leave you feeling anxious. As discussed above, the consumption of processed sugar causes your blood sugar levels to spike and crash. These drastic ups and downs can influence your mood, which can be troubling at bedtime since feelings of worry or sadness can make it harder to relax and drift off into a restful sleep. 

So what if you are craving something sweet after dinner?

Rather than indulging in processed foods like chocolate, ice cream, cake, cheesecake and lollies, try choosing their whole-food counterparts or refined sugar free options. Choosing nighttime snacks that are lower in sugar or free of refined sugar are better choices to avoid disrupting your sleep. Although late night snacks are tempting, try not to eat too close to bedtime, leaving at least 2-3 hours before your last bite to eat and sleep. If you eat too close to bedtime, this can leave you with digestive issues that can also disrupt your sleep. 

Healthy nighttime dessert/snack options

• Naked Harvest Moon Mylk - refined sugar free and designed to help you wind down and relax at night
• Naked Harvest Mousse - refined sugar free & perfect for those who want a delicious dessert that spoils your taste buds and wellbeing.
• Naked Harvest Jelly - pure collagen peptides in a delicious and refined sugar free jelly mix
• Naked Harvest Mug Cake - refined sugar free and formulated with L-tryptophan to help improve sleep
• Greek yoghurt & berries
• Oats with banana
• Handful of nuts
• Herbal tea

Experience guilt-free indulgence with The Naked Harvest x Dedikated dessert range! Our Choc Mint Mousse, Lychee Collagen Jelly, and Apple Crumble Mug Cake are free from refined sugars, dairy, and gluten. All three desserts are packed with functional ingredients to boost mood, aid sleep, manage stress, balance hormones, and support gut health. Treat yourself to these festive favourites that satisfy not only your tastebuds, but your well-being!