Warning to anyone eating pigs in blankets this Christmas

Christmas is a time where routines and sleep go out the window for most Brits.

Those who suffer from insomnia are being warned to familiarise themselves with the foods and drinks that could lead to restless nights and those that could help them get an optimum eight hours’ kip.

Sleep experts from Winstons Beds have shared the Christmas treats that can have an impact on the quality of your sleep and the alcohol that is more likely to keep you awake into the small hours.

Rebecca Swain, sleep expert at Winstons Beds says: “When it comes to the best time to eat Christmas dinner, it is best to eat no later than three hours before bed.

“Recent research shows that the most popular time for those in the UK to eat is between 2pm and 3pm suggesting that most Britons are eating early enough.”

Swain adds: “It’s probably less of a surprise that sugary foods like mince pies and high-fat foods like pigs in blankets are disruptive.

“If you’re someone wanting a good night’s sleep then try to resist the urge of overindulging on these ones later on in the day.

“A cheese board on Christmas evening can be a tradition for a lot of us as well but you should try to steer clear of aged cheeses like blue cheese and cheddar which can contain high amounts of tyramine.”

Pigs in blankets

By all means tuck into this festive favourite, but avoid eating them late a night if you want to avoid a disrupted sleep. Pigs in blankets are high in fat and can slow digestion which can cause an uncomfortable night’s rest, explains Swain.

Brussels sprouts and cabbage

“Surprising inclusions considering most people would assume vegetables are good for all aspects of health, but sprouts and cabbage are both cruciferous vegetables that are high in fiber and can be difficult to digest,” says Swain.

Alcohol

All types of alcohol will negatively affect sleep in many ways, and this is no different for some of our favourite festive drinks like prosecco, sparkling wines and cream liqueurs. Fizzy drinks can cause discomfort, bloating and heartburn, whilst cream liqueurs can contain high sugar contents and lead to a sugar rush.

Mince pies

If you want to eat mince pies on Christmas day then you’re best doing so earlier in the day and not right before bed time. They contain high sugar contents which can disrupt your blood sugar levels, which could lead to a more restless sleep.

Strong and aged cheeses

Many people might look to end their Christmas day with a nice cheese board in the evening, but there are certain cheeses that you will want to avoid if you’re wanting a good night’s sleep. Aged cheeses like cheddar and blue cheese can contain high amounts of tyramine, an amino acid that can make you feel more alert.

Dr Tim Mercer, an NHS GP partner and GP trainer, said the good news is that turkey, can naturally aid relaxation and sleepiness, “making it a great main course for winding down”.

Turkeyt has a high tryptophan content which help the body produce serotonin and melatonin—two key hormones involved in sleep regulation. E

The doctor, alongside Opera Beds also revealed that hot chocolate can be sleep-supportive if you opt for a lower-sugar or caffeine-free version. Milk also provides tryptophan, which promotes melatonin and serotonin production to support relaxation and sleep. Warm milk is also soothing and can signal to your body that it’s time to wind down.

Snacking on almonds and walnuts which contain melatonin, magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids is believed to support brain health and can indirectly contribute to better sleep.

Cherries and cranberries are two common fruits with a natural source of melatonin, so consuming them or their juice can assist in getting some shut eye.