Food That Could Keep You Awake

October 3, 2008

Last week, we looked at different types of food that can cause sleepiness. On the flipside, there are plenty of foods and beverages that can keep you up at night, intentionally or not. The most widely known "pick me up" is caffeine. Caffeine is a stimulant that works by blocking the action of hormones in the brain that makes us feel sleepy. A strong dose of caffeine can stimulate the mind for a short time but also can cause an alertness crash as the effect wears off. The best way to benefit from the stimulating effect of caffeine is to consume small amounts frequently throughout the day. Certain foods can be associated with reflux events, which can cause coughing or choking while sleeping or attempting to sleep. These foods include citrus fruits, chocolate, fatty and fried foods, garlic and onions, mint flavorings, spicy foods, or tomato-based foods, such as spaghetti sauce, chili and pizza. So stay away from that five-alarm chili, and remember not to eat or drink too much close to bedtime.