Eating habits that shape the night
The survey, led by a dream neuroscientist, questioned more than a thousand participants about their food choices, the regularity of their sleep, the frequency of their dreams and the occurrence of nightmares. The answers reveal a clear trend: a minority of people perceives a direct link between what they eat before sleeping and the nature of their dreams. Among these, many point the finger at dairy products and sweet foods like triggers of strange or disturbing dreams.
The results show that cheese and desserts are regularly accused of intensifying bizarre or unpleasant dreams. Participants most sensitive to these effects often bring back episodes of restless sleep, marked by night awakenings and a feeling of discomfort on waking. This phenomenon seems particularly marked in people with food intolerances, especially lactose.
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Intolerances and allergies: an aggravating factor
The study highlights a strong association between digestive disorders linked to the consumption of dairy products and the frequency of nightmares. Persons intolerant to lactose or subject to food allergies more often declare disturbed nights, punctuated by negative dreams. Abdominal pain and digestive discomfort, by interrupting sleep, would promote the reminiscence of unpleasant dreams or the emergence of nightmares.
The principal researcher underlines: “Nightmares are more frequent in lactose intolerant people who suffer from severe gastrointestinal symptoms and whose sleep is fragmented». This observation is explained by the influence of bodily sensations on dreamlike activity: Any nocturnal physical disturbance can be used in the content of dreams and alter the quality of rest.
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A healthy diet, a guarantee of more peaceful nights?
The data collected also suggests that people adopting a balanced diet, attentive to the signals of hunger and satiety, report more pleasant dreams and a better ability to remember it. Conversely, excessive consumption of junk food or late meals are accompanied by a more negative tone in dreams, an increased frequency of nightmares and a less clear memory of night episodes.
This work, based on spontaneous statements of students, does not allow a link of universal causal to be established. It nevertheless sheds light on the widespread perception of a cheese effect and other foods on sleep. The authors call for additional research, including more varied profiles and controlled experimental protocols, in order to determine whether these effects are verified in the general population.
In conclusion, modifying its eating habits, especially in the event of sensitivity or intolerance, could contribute to more serene nights and a better sleep quality. The cheese, if he is not the sole responsibility, therefore deserves his reputation for food to watch before bedtime.
SOURCE :Â ScienceAlert
