6. Chocolate
Let’s be honest—who doesn’t love a good chocolate bar? It’s a classic treat. But just like sugary sodas, chocolate can mess with your sleep and even cause long-term health problems, especially if you’re enjoying it right before bed.
For starters, chocolate is loaded with sugar. If you don’t burn it off, that sugar can contribute to weight gain and throw off your sleep. On top of that, chocolate has caffeine—the same stuff that keeps you wide awake after your afternoon coffee. The darker the chocolate, the more caffeine it contains, so if you’re hoping for a restful night, it’s probably best to skip it in the evening.
And that’s not all—chocolate also has the stimulant theobromine, which is part of why it gives us that feel-good boost. But that same energy kick can leave you tossing and turning at night, especially if you’re sensitive to caffeine.
Bottom line: chocolate can be a double trouble when it comes to sleep. The sugar can contribute to weight gain, while the caffeine and theobromine keep you from getting the deep, restful sleep your body needs.
