Foods That Cause Nightmares: Myth or Reality?

Have you ever woken up startled from a disturbing dream, with the strange feeling that something you ate the night before might be to blame? The link between food and restless dreams has intrigued people for a long time. While nightmares can be triggered by many factors (stress, anxiety, sleep disorders…), certain foods might have a surprising impact on the quality of our sleep.

The Connection Between Digestion and Sleep


Our digestive system stays active even at night. A heavy or spicy meal eaten too close to bedtime can disrupt sleep, cause digestive discomfort—and intensify dreams. When digestion is more difficult, brain activity tends to stay higher, increasing the likelihood of vivid dreams—and sometimes nightmares.

The Usual Suspects

Aged Cheeses

Often mentioned in folklore, cheeses like Roquefort, Brie, or Cheddar contain tyramine, an amino acid that stimulates brain activity. This extra stimulation at night might explain why some people report intense or bizarre dreams after indulging in these cheeses.

Spicy Foods

Chili and other strong spices raise your body temperature, which can disrupt your natural sleep cycles. The result? Lighter sleep, more frequent awakenings—and potentially more vivid or unsettling dreams.

Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate is both stimulating and energizing. It contains caffeine and theobromine, which can delay falling asleep or lead to fragmented sleep, creating the perfect setting for nightmares.

Caffeine and Energy Drinks

Even if consumed in the late afternoon, caffeine can still be active by bedtime. Difficulty falling asleep and disturbed REM (dream) sleep are commonly linked to unpleasant dreams.

Alcohol

Although it might help you fall asleep quickly, alcohol tends to break up sleep during the second half of the night and interferes with deep sleep cycles. This disruption can lead to more awakenings—and more nightmares.

Should You Avoid These Foods?

Not necessarily. It depends on your individual sensitivity, how much you eat, and when you eat it. That said, to improve sleep quality, it’s best to keep evening meals light, eat dinner at least two hours before bed, and avoid stimulants after 4 p.m.

In Conclusion

Nightmares aren’t solely caused by what we eat—but food can definitely play a role. By tuning into your body, observing your habits, and making a few tweaks to your evening meals, you might just rediscover peaceful nights… and sweeter dreams.

Would you like to receive exclusive offers? Stay connected with Zizzz!

Why not stay in touch? Sign up for our newsletter to enjoy special offers, exclusive discounts, and the latest updates on our eco-friendly baby and children’s products, duvets, pillows, and premium-quality bed linen.

Our Mission at Zizzz

Enhancing quality of life and well-being through better sleep

At Zizzz, our mission is to improve quality of life by promoting good sleep as an essential component of overall well-being.

We offer products and resources that promote restorative and revitalizing sleep, recognizing it as one of the three pillars of a healthy lifestyle, alongside a balanced diet and regular physical activity.

By prioritizing quality sleep, we empower individuals to lead healthier and happier lives.

Preserving our environment and helping to build a better future

We achieve this goal by using only natural materials such as wool, traceable down, and organic cotton in our products, ensuring a luxurious and eco-friendly sleep environment.

Committed to sustainability and ethical practices, we produce locally, supporting local economies and reducing our carbon footprint.

Choosing Zizzz means investing in your own well-being while contributing to a more sustainable future for all.