Doctors and sleep experts recommend not eating dinner too late or too close to bedtime. So we review what can happen if you go to sleep after eating.
Eating dinner and immediately going to bed can cause some stomach discomfort, as well as making it difficult to fall asleep and that this is restorative.
You may experience symptoms of heartburn
“When you lie down after eating, stomach acid could rise and cause discomfort”, shares Healthline. This is more likely when you have acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a condition in which stomach contents back up from the stomach into the esophagus. Reflux can irritate the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms.
Harvard Health notes that some foods and ingredients can intensify heartburn, including spicy foods, citrus fruits, tomato sauces and vinegar.
Sleep problems
A late meal can increase the likelihood that a person will wake up during the night, depending on Sleep Foundation.
In addition, it is preferable that dinner be light, since a full belly for a large meal can make it difficult to fall asleep.
How long to wait to go to bed after eating
To reduce the risk of digestive problems, you do not necessarily have than to remain fully upright after eating, you can recline slightly, at the height of 45 degrees.
Gastroenterologist Peyton Berookim said via Well and Good which recommends waiting at least 30 minutes after eating before reclining.
But when it comes to going to bed to sleep after dinner the waiting time should be a bit longer , two hours.
For people with gastroesophageal reflux disease, a study by 2005 published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology indicates that it is best to wait 3 hours after eating before going to bed.
The Sleep Foundation notes that for people experiencing nocturnal awakenings it may be best to avoid eating within three hours of bedtime.
No dinner so late can not only help you reduce the risk of upset stomach and have a better sleep. A study carried out by researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center indicates that it could also have an anti-aging effect and promote long life.
You may be interested in:
–5 foods and drinks you should avoid for dinner to sleep better
–What happens to your body when you overeat
–How baking soda can help reduce heartburn