Hello again eve enthusiasts! Today’s topic is on that age-old debate of whether scoffing a chunk of cheddar before hitting the hay really sends you into a night of haunted dreams. Or whether perhaps it’s just another tale invented by mums to stop you snacking on the brie at midnight…
So, grab yourself a cuppa and let’s dive into the weird world of bedtime cheese myths to find out whether eating cheese before bed actually gives you nightmares, or not. Read on to unveil all.
the legend of the nightmarish cheese
You’ve probably heard it from somewhere – maybe your nan, a mate down the pub, or that one co-worker who treats the office like their personal therapy session: “Don’t eat cheese before bed. It’ll give you nightmares!” But where did this bizarre dairy lore come from?
The theory goes that cheese, with all its creamy goodness, messes with your sleep because it’s full of tryptophan – an amino acid that supposedly makes your brain go a bit loopy when you’re asleep. Add to that the rich, heavy nature of cheese, and voilà, your stomach is throwing a rave while your brain’s trying to dream about winning the lottery.
But is it true? Or is it just another myth, like the one about swallowing chewing gum and it sticking in your gut for seven years?
the science bit (stick with us, it’s interesting)
Here’s the good news: Eating cheese doesn’t scientifically cause nightmares. No one’s found a direct link between late-night cheese munching and dreaming about being chased by a giant pigeon dressed as your old headteacher. In fact, the British Cheese Board (yes, that’s a real thing, and no, we’re not on it… yet!) did a study back in 2005. They found that not only does cheese not give you nightmares, but it might actually help you sleep better (1).
Apparently, different cheeses might even influence your dreams. For example, blue cheese (like stilton) was reported to give people weird dreams (think surreal, not terrifying), while cheddar brought on dreams about celebrities. Imagine meeting Ant and Dec in a dream just because you fancied a cheeky slice of Red Leicester before bed. Incredible.
so, why the nightmare rumour?
This whole “cheese equals nightmares” thing might be more about what’s going on in your gut. Eating a load of cheese right before you conk out could make you feel a bit sluggish or give you indigestion. And if you’re tossing and turning all night, your brain might be more likely to throw you into a dream where you’re late for your GCSE exams but also inexplicably naked. Cheers, subconscious.
can cheese help you sleep?
Yes, cheese can potentially help you sleep. But, it depends on the type of cheese and how your body reacts to it. Here’s why:
1. cheese contains tryptophan
Cheese is a good source of tryptophan, an amino acid that plays a role in the production of serotonin (the “feel-good” neurotransmitter) and melatonin (the hormone that regulates sleep). This makes it a helpful snack to promote relaxation and better sleep (2).
2. calcium helps the brain
Calcium, found in cheese, is known to help the brain use tryptophan to create melatonin. It’s also calming for the nervous system, which can make it easier to drift off to sleep come bedtime (3).
3. it’s a comfort food
For some people, snacking on cheese before bed can become somewhat a cosy little ritual. This might help to mentally prepare you for bedtime. A warm cheese toastie or a small chunk of cheddar with crackers can be satisfying and soothing.
but, beware!
While cheese might help some people sleep, it can have the opposite effect for others:
-
Rich cheeses: If you’re sensitive to heavy or rich foods, eating something like stilton or camembert before bed could upset your stomach and keep you awake.
-
The “cheese dreams” myth: Despite these urban legends, there’s no solid evidence linking cheese to vivid dreams or nightmares. However, if you’re prone to wild dreams after eating it, it might be best indulging in the cheese board earlier in the day!
A small amount of cheese, especially mild types of cheeses such as cheddar or mozzarella, may help you to sleep by promoting relaxation. Just remember to avoid overindulging or pairing it with heavy foods that are difficult to digest as you might be left tossing and turning during the night.
is eating cheese before bed worth the risk?
Look, life’s too short to live in fear of cheese-induced nightmares. If you fancy a nibble of Stilton before bed, go for it. If you’re really worried, maybe stick to a lighter cheese like mozzarella or cottage cheese…
And hey, if you do end up having a weird dream, just roll with it. Dreaming about being best mates with a talking wheel of Edam is a story worth telling.
final thoughts
So, does cheese before bed give you nightmares? Nope, not really. It’s more likely to give you a nice dose of calcium and a reason to rummage through the fridge at 11 pm. Whether it’s a myth, science, or just an excuse to blame your dreams on something other than your overactive imagination, we can all agree on one thing: cheese is most certainly worth the risk. For more information on the best and worst foods to eat before bed, check out our dedicated blog post.
Now if you’ll excuse us, there’s a block of Wensleydale in the kitchen with our name on it. Sweet dreams! Until next time, eve sleep.
Sources:
