A persistent idea suggests that consuming cheese before sleeping could cause nightmares. A recent Canadian study provides scientific insights to understand this phenomenon by exploring the link between diet and sleep quality.
Researchers examined the perceptions of over 1,000 students regarding the impact of their diet on their nights. While few establish a direct connection between their dreams and their plate, certain foods do seem to play a role in sleep quality.
The role of dairy products in sleep disturbances
Among participants, 40% reported that certain foods influenced their sleep, with varied effects. Indeed, 25% of them (or 10% of the total) felt their rest was disrupted after consuming sweets, dairy products, or spicy dishes. Conversely, 20% (or 8% of the total) observed an improvement in their sleep after eating fresh fruits, vegetables, or herbal teas.
Dairy products, like cheese, were among the foods most often blamed for restless nights, alongside sweets and spicy dishes.
Only 5.5% of respondents established a direct link between their diet and the nature of their dreams. Among them, a majority pointed to sugary products and dairy, which they associated with stranger or more disturbing dreams. This small proportion suggests that the impact on dreams remains marginal but notable for some individuals.
Researchers highlight that these observations could be explained by digestive difficulties, particularly among those with lactose intolerance. Nighttime bloating or cramps disrupt sleep, increasing awakenings during the dream phase—and thus the chances of remembering nightmares.
The physiological mechanisms at play
Our body digests less efficiently at night, making late cheese consumption particularly taxing. Fats and proteins slow digestion, disrupting deep sleep and the dream phase (REM sleep).
Awakenings during this phase increase the chances of remembering nightmares. Thus, it's not so much the cheese that creates distressing dreams, but rather its impact on sleep quality.
Finally, researchers emphasize that these observations are based on subjective reports. Experimental studies will be needed to confirm these links and determine if other factors are involved.
Article author: Cédric DEPOND