According to Teofilo Lee-Chiong, MD, sleep expert and chief medical liaison at Philips Sleep and Respiratory Care, the foods we eat directly affect our gastrointestinal activity, neurotransmitters, and our post-prandial insulin response—and all of these processes play into whether or not we have a restful or restless night of shuteye. “The time and regularity of meals can affect your quality of sleep and metabolism, too,” he says. So, what are the best—and worst—eating habits for sleep? Read on for Dr. Lee-Chiong’s recommendations for how to give your body the R&R it deserves. According to Dr. Lee-Chiong, the opposing scenario (i.e., suddenly cutting back on food) can also be detrimental to your circadian rhythm. “Making drastic changes in caloric intake, food choices, and nutrients can lead to sleeplessness,” he says. “The resulting hunger and other unpleasant gastrointestinal sensations aren’t doing your body any favors.” Bottom line: the more routine your eating habits are, the better. RELATED: 5 Foods That Help You Sleep RELATED: Exactly How Much Coffee You Should Be Drinking Each Day, According to a Recent Study
