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5 Things You Shouldn’t Eat or Drink Before Bed

Some food and drink may irritate your stomach, make you feel alert, or prevent you from getting REM sleep.

Sophia KellerSanjai Sinha, MD
Written by Sophia Keller | Reviewed by Sanjai Sinha, MD
Updated on September 11, 2025
Reviewed by Sanjai Sinha, MD | September 11, 2025

If you’re looking to get a full night’s sleep, there are certain things you should avoid eating or drinking before bed. Some of these things are obvious, like caffeine, while others may come as more of a surprise.

If you want a little snack before bed, try to aim for whole grains, tree nuts, or dairy products. Foods like this have certain hormones and chemicals that can actually help you get some sleep.

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Sophia Keller
Written by:
Sophia Keller
Sophia Keller was an editorial intern on the GoodRx Health team. She has a bachelor’s degree in justice studies from Arizona State University.
Sanjai Sinha, MD
Reviewed by:
Sanjai Sinha, MD
Sanjai Sinha, MD, is a board-certified physician with over 20 years of experience. He specializes in internal medicine.

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