Evening Sweets Disrupt Sleep: A New Health Threat from Scientists.

According to ТСН: Consuming large amounts of sugar can worsen sleep quality, cause fluctuations in blood sugar levels, lethargy, and feelings of hunger. Many people feel hungry at night and crave sweets to alleviate this sensation.

These conclusions were made by scientists in a new study.

The Impact of Sugar on the Body

When a person consumes products high in added sugar, such as sweets or baked goods, blood glucose levels rise rapidly. In response, the body releases insulin, which helps deliver glucose to the cells. While this is a normal process, sharp fluctuations in sugar, especially in the evening, can disrupt the hormonal balance responsible for the sleep cycle.

After a quick spike in glucose levels, it decreases just as quickly. This activates stress hormones – cortisol and adrenaline – to raise blood sugar, which can create a feeling of alertness at the moment when the body needs to relax.

Consequences for Sleep

Elevated cortisol levels at night can inhibit melatonin production – the hormone that signals the body’s need for sleep. This makes it difficult to fall asleep and achieve restful relaxation.

Additionally, fluctuations in sugar levels affect the structure of sleep. Studies show that a diet high in added sugar is associated with reduced sleep duration and frequent awakenings at night. Sharp spikes and drops in glucose levels can also disrupt the rapid eye movement (REM) sleep phase, which is important for memory, learning, and emotional stability, and reduce the duration of deep sleep. Therefore, the desire to eat something sweet in the evening often leads to a restless night.

As night approaches, the digestive process slows down, and insulin sensitivity decreases, making it difficult to digest large amounts of sugar.

The findings of this study underscore the importance of mindful sugar consumption, especially in the evening. This may be key to improving sleep quality and overall well-being. By understanding the impact of sugar on our bodies, we can better plan our diets and avoid sweets before bedtime to create favorable conditions for rest.