Eating Dark Chocolate Before Bed Can Cause Sleep Problems

By Elisa Wasson

Dark chocolate is a favorite snack of many people. It not only stirs affection but also awakens the taste buds. Besides, dark chocolate brings a lot of health benefits.

It is high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that nourish your skin, repair dry skin and shield against harmful UV rays. With high amounts of iron, copper and zinc, it helps increase oxygen and blood flow to the scalp and lead to healthier and strong hair.

Additionally, dark chocolate has a measurable effect on stress levels and helps regulate your blood pressure. It also contributes to better heart function.

However, if you eat too much this tasty snack, you can see health problems rather than benefits. Dark chocolate can have less pleasant side effects such as weight gain and hypertension. It can also cause dangerous swings in blood sugar levels if you suffer from diabetes. Especially, eating an entire chocolate bar before bed can keep you up tossing and turning.

Chocolate, in general, and dark chocolate, in particular, contains caffeine, which will make you hard to sleep if you enjoy it close to bed. Along with calories, caffeine is found in varying amounts in chocolate depending on the type and brand. However, there is an easy rule of thumb to follow, that is: The darker the chocolate, the more caffeine it has. Some certain dark chocolates can pack a significant punch. They can have just as much caffeine as a soda.

For example, a 1.55-ounce Hershey's milk chocolate bar has about 12 milligrams of caffeine, which are the same amount found in three cups of decaffeinated coffee. Meanwhile, a Hershey's dark bar contains 20 milligrams of caffeine, which is the equivalent to a cup of tea.

In addition, dark chocolate is loaded with small amounts of theobromine. Although this stimulant has been proven to suppress a cough, it can increase heart rate and sleeplessness. Therefore, to sleep better, you need to avoid dark chocolate apart from coffee and strong tea before going to bed.

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About the Author: I am working at a beauty salon in California now and I am interested in beauty products and tips for skin. I like enjoying my weekend with my family and going out with my friends
Articles Source: Eating Dark Chocolate Before Bed Can Cause Sleep Problems

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