Title: Going To Bed Hungry: Is It OK?
Headings: Should You Go to Bed Hungry?
Should You Go to Bed Hungry?
Is it OK to go to bed hungry?
Following a healthy meal schedule
Cutting back calories
Not getting enough sleep
Undernutrition or malnutrition
Are there side effects from going to bed hungry?
What should I eat before bed?
Foods with tryptophan
Whole grains
What to avoid
How can I prevent feeling hungry before bedtime?
How can I get better access to food?
The takeaway

Content: This means that millions go to bed hungry, but not by choice. Though going to bed hungry can help with sleep and weight loss, lack of access to food can actually increase your risk of obesity, asthma, and other health problems. Here’s what you can do if you go to bed hungry because of malnutrition or lack of food access: Find a local food bank
Sign up for supplemental nutrition assistance programs (SNAP) through the U.S. government
Sign up for state and federal unemployment benefits if you’ve lost your job
Consider moving to an area with greater access to grocery stores and farmer’s markets, if this is affordable for you
The takeaway
Going to bed hungry can be safe as long as you’re eating a well-balanced diet throughout the day. Avoiding late-night snacks or meals can actually help avoid weight gain and an increased BMI. If you’re so hungry that you can’t go to bed, you can eat foods that are easy to digest and promote sleep. Stay away from large meals and spicy, sweet, or greasy foods before bedtime. Hunger at bedtime associated with malnutrition or overtiredness is problematic and should be addressed. Last medically reviewed on September 24, 2020