So, dark chocolate - which has more cocoa - could be a bad option to snack on before bed. In fact, the more cacao there is in a bar of chocolate, the more caffeine it contains, which is a chemical responsible for making us feel alert and disrupting our sleep. The bad newsĬhocolate contains caffeine, the enemy of a good night's rest. Consuming cocoa also reduces stress and anxiety (Psychology Today), both of which can keep us awake at night, so enjoying a cup, a bar, or a few squares before bed is sure to help you relax. Milk contains tryptophan, which helps your body produce serotonin and melatonin - the sleepy hormones (Healthline).Ĭhocolate also contains a few vitamins and minerals that can help regulate our sleep, such as calcium, magnesium, and theobromine. While some may dismiss this as an old wives' tale, there is some truth to it. Drinking milk has long been a go-to home remedy for troublesome sleep, with a glass of warm milk before bed being recommended for children and adults alike. Research has shown that a certain type of brain activity associated with alertness, known as theta, drops significantly when we smell chocolate, resulting in a more relaxed state of mind that could help us feel more ready for bed (New Scientist).Īs well as a slumber-inducing scent, most chocolate bars are made from chocolate mixed with milk solids. The good newsĪs it turns out, the secret to a blissful night's slumber could very well be the scent of chocolate. If you're partial to a square or two of an evening or if you're looking for ways to sleep more soundly at night, we have some good news to share about the effects of chocolate on our sleep quality. Not only could we all do with a pick-me-up after what has been a mentally and physically draining year for many but eating or drinking chocolate could actually be better for our sleep health than originally thought. This Easter, you may have more reasons than usual to treat yourself or your loved ones to some chocolate eggs.
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