It is known that all of us need between 7 and 8 hours of sleep per night. But, most people have problems with falling asleep and they also wake up repeatedly during the night. There are many health issues associated with insomnia and bad sleep. Sometimes the main cause of bad sleep is food that you eat at night.
We all know that anything you eat late at night may affect your sleep. It is not recommended to eat spicy, fried and fatty food before you go to sleep. Most foods that you eat late at night can make you gain weight. But, there are also foods that may be beneficial for your health if you eat them before bed. One of them is oatmeal.
In this article you will find out more about oats and their impact on your sleep. Why is it good to eat oats at night? What are the health benefits of eating oatmeal before bed? Just continue reading this article and you will find out soon.
More about Oats
The oat is a species of cereal grain that is grown for its seed, which is known by the same name. Oats are used for livestock feed, but also for human consumption, in the form of oatmeal or rolled oats.
Oats are also common ingredients in some cold cereals, such as muesli and granola. Oats are rich in nutrients so they have a lot of health benefits. Oats are an excellent source of protein, dietary fiber, B vitamin and manganese. You have to know that 66% of oats are complex carbohydrates.
They can help in lowering cholesterol levels and they reduce the risk of heart and many other diseases. Oats are good for digestion and they regulate your bowel movements. Oats contain beta-glucan, the fiber that will slow the digestion of your meal down and that will make you feel satisfied for several hours. This way, oats can help you with losing weight, but more about that you will see below.
Is It Good To Eat Oats Before Bed?
If you also love eating oats at night, we have good news for you. Although most people believe that oatmeal is only a breakfast food, it can be also a great snack in the evening. You can eat oats at night without feeling guilty. Oatmeal will help you stay healthy and fit.
Oatmeal can be a great snack before bed because it is rich in complex carbohydrates. It is known that complex carbs have many health benefits, so below we will tell you which are the health benefits of eating oats before going to sleep.
4 Health Benefits Of Eating Oats Before Bed
Oats Are Digesting Slowly. Carbohydrates in oatmeal are digesting slowly, so you won’t wake up during the night with crashing blood sugar levels. Also, oats will keep you full for a longer period of time and you will not have hunger pangs during the night. We all know that one of the most common reasons to wake up during the night is going to the fridge to eat something and then to back in the bed. This will not be the case if you eat oatmeal before going to sleep at night.
Oats Stimulate the Production of Serotonin. Carbohydrates in oatmeal cause a serotonin to release in the body. We all know that serotonin is a hormone that will decrease your stress level and make you feel happy. This neurotransmiter will elevate your mood and you will fall asleep easily.
Oats Are a Great Source of Melatonin. Many studies have shown that oats are a great natural source of melatonin, the hormone which can regulate our sleep and wake cycles. Also, it is known that complex carbohydrates make tryptophan more available to the brain. Because of that, oats can also improve brain functions and prevent stroke.
Oats Help In Weight Loss. Not only oats will improve your sleep, but they will also have a positive impact on your body weight. If you eat oats at night you won’t get extra pounds. Due to their high fiber content, oats will provide you a feeling of satiety for a longer period of time and you will not reach for some unhealthy snacks. Also, oats will reduce your appetite and make you feel full during the night. Although it is believed that you should not eat before bed, oats can be a good choice. Remember that your metabolism doesn’t have a break, even overnight.
How Much Oatmeal Should You Eat?
Of course, you should have in mind that any food may be bad for you if you consume it in large amounts. Because of that it is better to eat oats in moderation. A medium-sized bowl of oatmeal before bed is enough for you.
As we have already said, it will be beneficial for your mood and for your overall health. You will sleep and feel better. You can add half an apple and a bit of cinnamon to your oatmeal. It can be a great evening snack that will give you energy and keep you healthy.
Also, you can prepare a bowl of warm oatmeal with milk and top it with toasted almonds. It can be also an ideal bedtime snack.
Summary
What you eat in the evening plays a big role in the quality of your sleep. If you choose oats as your late-night snack, you will sleep better and you will ensure yourself sweet dreams.
As you have seen in this article, it is good to eat oatmeal before going to bed. Although it is not good to eat many foods at night, oats can be beneficial for your sleep and your overall health. If you eat oats in the evening, you will fall asleep much easier and the quality of your sleep will be much better.
Also, you will not wake up during the night because you are hungry. But, remember that moderation is the key of good healthy. Eat a small amount of oats as your bedtime snack if you want to stay healthy and good looking.
