For centuries, people have shared stories and experiences of how certain foods can influence the content of their dreams. From the spicy cheese dish Welsh rarebit, believed to induce bizarre and disturbing dreams, to the widely held perception that consuming specific foods late at night can trigger nightmares, the connection between dietary choices and dreaming has persisted in popular culture. Despite the prevalence of these anecdotes, there has been a notable lack of empirical research on the topic. However, a recent study published in Frontiers in Psychology sought to address this gap in knowledge by examining the relationship between food and dreaming. Let’s dive into the various claims surrounding the influence of food on dreams and discover what psychologists have to say about these rumors.
Certain Foods Cause Nightmares: The Different Claims
The belief that certain foods can provoke unusual and distressing dreams has been a recurrent theme in folklore and popular culture. Among the various claims, dairy products have often been implicated as potential culprits, with cheese being a notable example. Additionally, spicy foods have also been associated with the onset of vivid and unsettling dreams. These claims are supported by anecdotal evidence in which individuals have reported experiencing a heightened incidence of strange and disturbing dreams after consuming these types of foods. Furthermore, the timing of food consumption, particularly late at night, has been linked to an increased likelihood of experiencing nightmares.
The Study
The research published in Frontiers in Psychology aimed to shed light on the perceived connection between food and dreaming. The study consisted of 396 participants who were required to complete questionnaires that evaluated their sleep patterns, dream experiences, and dietary habits. Specifically, participants were questioned about whether they had noticed if particular foods produced bizarre or disturbing dreams, and if eating late at night impacted their dream content. The study sought to determine if there was a prevalence of the perception of food-dependent dreaming and to explore potential associations between perceived food-dependent dreaming, dietary habits, sleep patterns, and motivational factors.
Study Results
The findings of the study revealed that approximately 17.8% of the participants reported the perception of food-dependent dreaming, with dairy products being the most commonly attributed food category. Those who reported food-dependent dreaming tended to have more frequent and disturbing dreams, poor sleep quality, higher coffee intake, and lower scores on the Intuitive Eating Scale. Disturbing dreams were also associated with measures indicative of poorer sleep, binge-eating, and eating for emotional reasons. On the other hand, reports of vivid dreams were linked to measures indicative of wellness, including better sleep, a healthier diet, and longer intervals between meals.
“Sleep disruption is correlated with a number of food items commonly known to induce gastrointestinal symptoms. Many of the physical symptoms of lactose intolerance were reported spontaneously in response to our open-ended question about how eating late at night influences sleep and dreams,” the researchers explained.
What to Avoid Consuming Before Bed for a Good Night’s Sleep
Nightmares or not, there is no doubt that what you eat and the timing of when you eat it can affect your sleep. The following are some best practices and foods you’re better off avoiding before bed to feel more rested in the morning.
1. Dairy Products
Based on the study findings, dairy products are frequently blamed for disturbing dreams. Individuals who perceive a connection between dairy consumption and unsettling dream content might benefit from avoiding these products before bedtime.
Read More: MIT Tests ‘Dream Incubation’ Device That Manipulates The Content of People’s Dreams
2. Spicy Foods
The study also highlighted a potential association between the consumption of spicy foods and vivid dreams. Given this, individuals prone to intense or disturbing dreams may consider limiting the intake of spicy foods, especially close to bedtime.
3. Late-Night Eating
It was observed that consuming food late at night was linked with disrupted dream patterns. As such, individuals seeking restful sleep might find it beneficial to refrain from eating close to bedtime.
What to Consume to Help Improve Your Sleep
While there are certainly foods worth avoiding before sleep, there are others that can act as sleep aids. If you find yourself having trouble getting some solid shut-eye, try these foods to help you sleep better.
1. Fruits
Certain fruits, such as kiwi and tart cherry juice, have been suggested to have sleep-promoting properties. Incorporating these into the evening diet may contribute to improved sleep quality.
2. Balanced Meals
Consuming well-balanced meals throughout the day, with a focus on nutrient-dense foods, can support overall physical and mental well-being, potentially contributing to more restful sleep.
The Bottom Line
The study’s exploration of the relationship between food and dreaming offers valuable insights into the potential impact of dietary choices on sleep and dream content. The findings underscore the complex interplay between food, sleep quality, and dream experiences, highlighting the need for further research in this intriguing area. By heeding the implications of this study, individuals can make informed decisions about their dietary habits to promote more peaceful and undisturbed sleep.
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