Endocrinologist warns certain evening foods can disrupt sleep

Endocrinologist and nutrition specialist Dr. Oksana Mihalyova said the quality of dinner has a direct effect on sleep, warning that some foods stimulate the nervous system and place additional strain on digestion, reducing sleep quality. Mihalyova noted that caffeine is not limited to coffee but is also present in significant amounts in strong tea and chocolate, urging people with sleep difficulties to avoid these products in the evening. Heavy and fatty foods, including fast food, fried items, fatty meats and sauces, take longer to digest and can leave the stomach feeling heavy and uncomfortable, the specialist said. Excessive late-night protein intake also raises the digestive load and makes falling asleep harder, she added. Mihalyova recommended finishing dinner two to three hours before bedtime, explaining that eating right before sleep keeps the digestive process active and triggers the release of metabolism-related hormones such as insulin and glucagon-like peptide, which can interfere with the body's natural sleep mechanisms.