Dreams are a precarious subject. Some people believe that they are an insight into the unconscious mind – while others think they’re just random images of things we have seen throughout the day, or that our brains cook up. Certain cultures even believe that dreams are a gateway into the spiritual world and can tell the future! 

There are various theories about what dreams are and what causes them to be good, or nightmares! 

Turns out, your dreams can also be affected by what you eat -both before bed and as a constant diet. There isn’t conclusive scientific evidence yet, but experts are studying just how the food you eat affects the quality of your sleep.

According to Grateful, The National Sleep Foundation, certain foods can keep you awake. Whole grains, fruits and protein foods may give you energy, and alertness can affect your dreams. 

The organisation’s chief medical advisor says your diet can affect your dreams in conjunction with the quality of sleep you are getting. Drinking a lot of caffeine before bedtime, for example, causes your mind to race and influences your dream patterns. 

Certain foods soothe your body too. In return, your sleeping patterns are more relaxed, and you experience fewer nightmares. Almonds, walnuts, and tart cherry juice are recommended before going to sleep because it consists of melatonin (a hormone released at night by the pineal gland and helps control your sleep-wake cycle). 

Nightmares after eating cheese

A 2015 study suggests that eating cheese can cause nightmares. 

The paper is titled ‘Dreams of the Rarebit Fiend: Food and Diet as Instigators of Bizarre and Disturbing Dreams’. It makes reference to a 100-year old newspaper cartoon where the character has a nightmare or bizarre dream and blames it on eating cheese on toast. 

The research confirmed that cheese and spicy foods cause dream disturbances. However, the study lacked physiological evidence leaving questions in the air. 

However, according to an unofficial study conducted by the British Cheese Board, Stilton cheese can result in dreams that are bizarre or crazy. In the pasta department, ragus, ziti and other such dishes nabbed 12.5 per cent. Blame the high carb content for pasta’s nightmare-inducing qualities.

Of the 68 participants who indicated that their dreams were affected by eating certain foods, 12.5 per cent blamed it on cheese, says casper.com.

Food that cause nightmares?

It turns out; some evidence suggests that foods like pasta, pickles and spicy food can also give you bad dreams.

 More than nine per cent of participants blamed nightmares on spicy foods, and 9.4 per cent of participants did say that the brined cucumbers caused unrest too.

More than six per cent of participants said their sweet tooth left them scared sleepless. Sugar can kickstart the metabolism and cause restlessness. Not to mention, sweets before bed can be harmful to your dental health if you don’t brush appropriately before bed.

Alcohol and high calories

Alcohol and sleep are a terrible combination. One nightcap is relaxing, but overindulging depresses your first Rapid Eye Movement (REM) stage and possibly cause disturbing dreams later. A lot of alcohol also means a lot of calories. High calories bring on dehydration and the constant need to urinate, upsetting your sleep even further. 

Feasting and starving

Fasting is related to intense dreaming. Historical research shows that prolonged fasting induces prophetic or hallucinatory dream states. 

On the other hand, eating in moderation is beneficial for sleeping and dreaming. Moderate meals fuel your brain and allow your body to rest. A full stomach before bedtime will do the exact opposite and generate gastric distress.

A big meal before bed contributes to weight gain as well. Opt for a piece of toast or a cup of warm milk, or hot chocolate. It is guilt-free and the ticket to sweet dreams. 

Avoid baked goods

Having dessert before bed may be a bad idea. A study found that a fair amount of participants had bad dreams after eating sweet treats, specifically cookies and cakes. 

You can eat anything but in moderation.

Chocolate, for example, is an everyday treat that most people love. It is also high in caffeine. Just like drinking decaffeinated coffee before bed, nibble on your chocolate in little pieces or have it as a snack after lunch. It is not ideal as a post-dinner treat as it may give your nightmares.  

A cheeseburger and fries after a night out sound like a dream. On the contrary, greasy foods at night are likely to give you nightmares. Choose bake food over fried foods or stick to fruits and vegetables for relaxing dreams. 

Goodbye apple cider vinegar

A shot of apple cider vinegar in the morning is good for your health. It detoxes your digestive system, lowers your blood sugar levels, clears your skin and more. At night, it has a different effect – an effect on your dreams. 

University research found that a spoonful of apple vinegar cider before bed can bring on realistically creepy dreams at night.

A peanut butter and jam sandwich is better as a snack

Many people consider a peanut butter and jam sandwich to be ‘the perfect dream food’. It doesn’t encourage crazy nightmares, but professionals recommend you eat it as a snack before bed and forget about supper. 

Surprisingly, sleep is an active process. Your brain needs a lot of sugar, which is what peanut and jam sandwiches consist of. The bread and jam are simple carbohydrates that can help you have a peaceful sleep. 

Your body, your choice

Everyone has a unique body with its food sensitivities. It may be good to find out what your diet needs to have relaxing dreams and avoid nightmares.  No matter what food choices you make, be sure to consult a health professional for proper guidance.