A new study from the University of Montreal’s Dreams and Nightmares Laboratory has identified a potential link between consuming dairy products like cheese before bedtime and experiencing disturbing or bizarre dreams. The research suggests that certain foods, particularly dairy, can significantly impact the content and quality of sleep by influencing the brain’s dreaming processes.
Lead researcher Tore Nielsen highlighted that participants who believed food affected their dreams cited desserts and sweets as the top culprits for disturbing dreams, with dairy ranking second. The study also found that meat was less commonly associated with such effects. Nielsen emphasized that factors like lactose intolerance, late-night eating, and not following internal hunger cues may contribute to these sleep disturbances.
Medical experts presented differing opinions on the role of cheese in sleep. Daryl Gioffre, a gut health expert, warned that cheese is one of the most acidic foods humans consume, leading to digestive issues like bloating, gas, and acid reflux. He noted that eating cheese late at night could disrupt digestion and negatively impact sleep. In contrast, dietitian Erin Palinski-Wade pointed out that cheese contains tryptophan and calcium, which can support the production of melatonin and regulate sleep signals.
Despite the potential benefits, experts caution that individuals may react differently to dairy. Palinski-Wade recommended moderation and timing, suggesting that cheese can be enjoyed earlier in the day to avoid sleep disturbances. The study raises questions about the ideal balance between nighttime snacking and sleep quality, highlighting the need for personal adjustments based on individual responses.