Does Chocolate Help You Sleep?
Many people enjoy eating chocolate, and for a good reason – it's delicious! But what you may not know is that chocolate may also have some benefits for your sleep quality. There is some evidence that suggests chocolate can help you sleep better.
What is the evidence that suggests chocolate may help with sleep?
Several studies suggest chocolate may help with sleep. For example, one study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that participants who ate dark chocolate before bed had better sleep quality than those who didn't. The study's authors say that the caffeine and sugar in chocolate can hurt sleep, but the antioxidants in dark chocolate may help promote relaxation.
How might chocolate help improve sleep quality?
One theory is that chocolate's antioxidants help improve blood circulation, which can lead to a more restful sleep. Additionally, the serotonin released after eating chocolate may also help promote relaxation and better sleep.
Are there any potential drawbacks to eating chocolate before bed?
Yes, there are a few potential drawbacks to eating chocolate before bed. For one, the caffeine and sugar in chocolate can harm sleep. Additionally, if you overeat chocolate before bed, you may feel restless and unable to fall asleep. It's also important to note that not all chocolates are created equal – dark chocolate is thought to have the most sleep-promoting benefits.
So, how can you enjoy chocolate's benefits for sleep without experiencing any drawbacks?
One way to do this is to stick to dark chocolate, which has the most sleep-promoting benefits. Try to avoid chocolate with a lot of sugar and caffeine, as these can hurt sleep. Additionally, it's important not to overeat chocolate before bed – a small amount should be enough to enjoy the benefits without feeling restless. If you do this, you can enjoy the delicious taste of chocolate while also getting a good night's sleep!
When it comes to chocolate and sleep, the jury is still out. Though some evidence suggests chocolate may help improve sleep quality, there are also a few potential drawbacks to consider. For example, chocolate with a lot of sugar in chocolate can harm sleep by making you restless, while higher cocoa percentage dark chocolate may have more sleep-promoting benefits.
Now that you've read this post, you have a better idea if chocolate helps you sleep. Ready to learn more? Browse our collection of Chocolate articles!
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5694609/
https://www.health.com/nutrition/does-chocolate-help-you-sleep?src=SOC&utm_campaign=HEALTH%20Nutrition%20Insider&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_content=20180614
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