The sleep corresponds to a decrease in the state of consciousness that separates two periods of wakefulness, as explained by Inserm. It is characterized by a loss of vigilance, a decrease in muscle tone and a partial preservation of sensory perception. However, it very often happens that this is disturbed by difficulties falling asleep, night awakenings or waking up too early in the morning.
According to the Health Insurance, these symptoms of insomnia are linked to certain lifestyle behaviors that promote nighttime waking. This can be, for example, the significant consumption of stimulants (tea, caffeinated drinks, etc.), eating too large a meal in the evening, but also practicing a stimulating activity in the evening. This is why American experts have revealed two drinks to avoid in the evening to sleep well. Indeed, according to nutritionist Lisa Richards and dietician Jesse Feder, interviewed in the columns According to She Finds, matcha and energy drinks, which are very high in sugar, could harm the quality of sleep.
Here are two popular drinks that can interfere with sleep quality
Do you want to put all the chances on your side to fall asleep more easily? Here are two drinks that are best avoided in the evening to sleep well according to experts.
Sweet Matcha
The matcha is a green tea powder originating from Japan that is renowned for its many health benefits. It is rich in antioxidantsand especially catechins, which help fight free radicals. It also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation while improving concentration. However, according to nutritionist Lisa Richards, “It is generally not recommended to drink matcha before bed because of its potential to cause insomnia.” Why? On the one hand, because matcha can quickly become a drink with a high sugar content if it is prepared with added sugars or sweeteners, as the specialist indicates. Indeed, the added sugar contained in a matcha can cause spikes and drops in blood sugarwhich can interfere with the ability to fall asleep or maintain restful sleep.
Moreover, “matcha contains caffeinealthough in smaller quantities than coffee, but enough to have a stimulating effect on the body,” says the nutritionist. She also recalls that “Caffeine acts as a central nervous system stimulant, promoting wakefulness and alertness.” The expert believes that “Even a moderate amount of caffeine from matcha consumed in the evening can disrupt the natural sleep cycle and make it difficult to fall asleep or maintain deep sleep.” This is why it is generally advisable to consume matcha earlier in the day to avoid interfering with sleep patterns and promote a restful night’s sleep, concludes the nutritionist.
Energy drinks
As ANSES explains, the term “energy drinks” covers “drinks that are presented as having stimulating properties both physically and intellectually.” However, according to dietitian Jesse Feder, “Energy drinks are high in sugar, calories and caffeine.” So many components that can disrupt falling asleep.They contain large amounts of caffeinewhich can disrupt sleep, increase stress as well as cortisol levels. This can contribute to weight gain as well as fat accumulation throughout the body and stomach,” says the expert. That’s why it’s best to limit your consumption of energy drinks, especially in the evening before going to bed.
Sources :
- Health Experts Reveal The Worst High-Sugar Drinks That ‘Reduce Sleep Quality’—And What To Have Instead – She Finds – 6 août 2024
- Adult insomnia: definition and contributing factors – Health Insurance
- Sleep: shedding light on our nocturnal activity – Inserm
- Energy drinks: what are the health effects? – Anses
