Sleep experts warn about seven healthy foods derailing human rest

In an article published on its website, Forbes highlights that the link between good health and optimal sleep is undeniable. 

Sleep is essential for our mental and physical well-being, job performance, productivity, and career success. Research indicates that inadequate sleep significantly increases the risk of depression, heart attacks, and strokes, with the risk of dying from heart disease more than doubling. When you don’t get enough rest, you’re more likely to doze off at work and feel irritable. While it’s well-known that caffeine, alcohol, and sugary snacks interfere with sleep, experts have also identified other, less obvious foods that can disrupt sleep, undermining both your happiness and career progress.

The sleep experts at Onebed have identified seven seemingly healthy foods that could be sneaking into your diet and preventing you from getting the rest you need.

1. "Dragonfruit might seem like a sleep-friendly snack, but it’s actually the opposite. This exotic fruit is packed with magnesium and vitamin B6, nutrients that stimulate brain activity and cognitive function throughout the day. When combined with its natural sugars, it ends up keeping your brain alert instead of allowing it to transition into sleep mode. A beautiful fruit to look at, but a nightmare for your bedtime."

2. "Protein bars are the ultimate multitaskers—excellent for fueling workouts but not ideal for winding down. Their rich amino acid content demands a lot of digestion, keeping your metabolism active when it should be slowing down. That post-workout snack could be keeping your body in 'go mode,' making it harder to switch into relaxation mode for sleep."

3. "This bubbly drink - kombucha may be a favorite among wellness enthusiasts, but it’s not doing your sleep any favors. The fermentation process in kombucha produces tyramine—a compound that stimulates your nervous system—along with small amounts of caffeine. Together, they provide a one-two punch to your ability to relax. If you're sensitive to these substances, you might find yourself awake at night, wondering why your 'healthy' drink feels more like a wake-up call in a bottle."

4. "Pickles and other fermented foods can be surprising sleep offenders. They’re rich in tyramine and histamines, which interfere with melatonin production—your body’s natural sleep hormone. If you've ever felt restless after a late-night snack of pickled vegetables or kimchi, this is why. These tangy treats might be delicious, but they’re disrupting your body’s natural sleep cycle."
5. "It's creamy, delicious, and surprisingly disruptive to your sleep. Green tea ice cream is a sneaky triple threat: caffeine, sugar, and L-theanine. While L-theanine can be calming during the day, it has the opposite effect at night, overstimulating your brain when it should be relaxing. Combine that with refined sugar, and you have a dessert that fuels mental activity rather than promoting restful sleep."

6. "Spirulina is often hailed as a superfood, but it can act as a hidden stimulant when it comes to sleep. Its high protein and amino acid content can trigger mild adrenal responses, subtly energizing your body instead of promoting relaxation. While it's great for boosting energy and focus during the day, consuming it too close to bedtime can turn your body into a metabolic powerhouse, preventing you from unwinding."

7. "Salami, bacon, and other cured meats may make for tasty snacks, but they're packed with tyramine. This compound is known for stimulating brain activity, and when combined with the protein richness of cured meats, it can keep you alert instead of helping you relax. They're salty, satisfying, and delicious—but definitely not ideal for a peaceful night's sleep."

By Naila Huseynova