Health & Wellness Thursday

What Time Should You Stop Eating and Drinking Before Bed… and Why?

Good Morning Friends,

This is one of those topics that comes up often, and honestly, it’s something I need to be more mindful of myself.

My family tends to eat dinner later in the evening, so this gave me something to think about after I came across an Instagram post by spine surgeon Dr. Rod Oskouian.

He shared that for most healthy people, what you eat and how much you eat often matter more than the clock. A light dinner later in the evening is different than eating a large, heavy, sugary meal right before climbing into bed.

That made sense to me.

General recommendations suggest:

🥗 Finish your last full meal about 2 to 3 hours before bedtime.

💧 Limit most liquids about 1 to 2 hours before bed.

Why?

When you eat a large meal right before lying down, your digestive system is still working while your body is trying to prepare for sleep. This can increase the chance of:

• Acid reflux or heartburn
• Stomach discomfort
• Poor sleep quality
• Feeling sluggish the next morning

Stopping most liquids an hour or two before bed may also reduce waking up several times during the night to use the bathroom, helping you get more restful sleep.

It Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All

There are exceptions.

Some people with diabetes or certain medical conditions may actually need a small bedtime snack to help maintain healthy blood sugar levels overnight. That’s why it’s always important to follow the recommendations of your healthcare provider.

One thing Dr. Oskouian said really stood out to me:

“Your body is a better dataset than any headline.”

I love that.

Pay attention to how your body responds.

Do you sleep better when you finish dinner earlier?

Does eating a heavy meal late leave you uncomfortable?

Do certain foods affect your sleep more than others?

Those observations can teach you a lot.

As for me…

This is another healthy habit I’m going to work on. Sometimes life gets busy, and our family doesn’t eat until later in the evening. But if making a small adjustment helps me sleep better and feel better the next day, it’s worth trying.

Small changes can lead to big results.

🌻 Until tomorrow… take care of yourself and listen to what your body is trying to tell you.

— Lady Flava 🌻