Why is chocolate before bedtime such a big no-no?

You might have heard people say that there’s no harm in nibbling on a small block of dark chocolate after your meal. In fact, eating a bit of dark chocolate can actually be good for you!

But what time of the day you’re enjoying your chocolate makes all the difference. According to medical experts, eating chocolate before your bedtime is a pretty bad idea.

The caffeine quotient

First of all, chocolates contain caffeine. While the amount may vary with each bar, caffeine in any amount isn’t doing you any favours when it comes to getting deep sleep.

Not your nap time friend

Second, chocolate also contains a compound called theobromine. This is the stuff that makes chocolates bad for cats and dogs. Theobromine can increase heart rate and cause sleeplessness.

Some research has even linked chocolate consumption too close to bedtime with nightmares and night terrors.

SEE MORE The 'dark' truth about chocolate

All in all, chocolates are rich in caffeine, sugar and fats. Eating some before bed forces your body to process all these complex nutrients at the time when your body should ideally be getting into the ‘rest and digest’ mode.

What is the best time to eat chocolate?

The bottom line is that if you want to reap the benefits of dark or milk chocolate, it is better to enjoy it as a post-lunch dessert. As a thumb rule, you should avoid having chocolate after 5 pm to safeguard your sleep hours.

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