Does Cheese Give You Nightmares?
The short answer is: not exactly. Cheese before bed can contribute to vivid dreams, but it doesn’t necessarily cause nightmares. However, aged and cured varieties like cheddar, stilton, and parmesan contain tyramine, a compound that can stimulate brain activity and intensify dreams, which can severely disrupt your sleep. Let’s dive deeper into why this happens and how it might affect your sleep.
The Role of Tyramine in Cheese
Tyramine is a naturally occurring amino acid found in aged and cured cheeses. It triggers the release of adrenaline and other neurotransmitters, stimulating your brain. This heightened brain activity can lead to more vivid, intense dreams during the REM (rapid eye movement) phase of sleep. While these dreams aren’t necessarily nightmares, they can disrupt your sleep cycles and leave you feeling groggy the next day.
Why Dreams Feel More Intense
Dreams occur during the REM phase, a period of heightened brain activity. When tyramine-rich foods like aged cheese are consumed before bed, this phase can become even more active, leading to memorable and intense dreams. For some, this might feel like a restless night with little restorative sleep.
Should You Avoid Cheese Before Bed?
So, should you skip cheese entirely in the evenings? Not necessarily. For many people, the occasional indulgence has no noticeable effect. However, if you’re sensitive to vivid dreams or struggle with sleep quality, consider opting for milder cheeses like cream cheese or cottage cheese, which have lower tyramine levels, or avoid eating cheese close to bedtime.
Tips for Better Sleep
If vivid dreams or restless nights are a concern, creating a calming bedtime routine can help. A great addition to this routine is Dream, a natural sleep aid designed to promote deep, restful sleep. With ingredients like magnesium, chamomile, hops, and tart cherries, Dream helps relax your body and mind, making it easier to drift off and stay asleep.
Final Thoughts
The idea that cheese before bed gives you nightmares isn’t entirely accurate. Aged and cured cheeses high in tyramine can stimulate brain activity, intensifying dreams. While this doesn’t affect everyone, being mindful of your evening food choices can help ensure a more restful night. For an extra boost to your sleep quality, consider adding a natural sleep aid like Dream to your nightly routine.
Sweet dreams!