Don’t take a nap right after eating

March 23rd, 2007          Email This Post        Print This Post

I can’t seem to find this on the internet, but empirically, it seems like quite good advice. I was doubtful about posting it, but today I took a nap 15 minutes after eating a grapefruit and ended up sleeping 2 hours more than I wanted, despite my alarm.

Food and sleep don’t mix!
Don’t take a nap right after eating, and it would be good not to sleep then either.
I suppose that means a large midnight snack isn’t a good idea!

It seems if you eat soon before a nap, then when you wake up… you rarely feel refreshed, and instead just want to go back to sleep.
And regarding longer sleep, the body breaks down the food for energy. If you are sleeping, then what is the point? Many suggest this can cause you to gain weight.

How soon is “right before” a nap? I would try to wait at least 30 minutes, but longer if you ate a lot.
And before nighttime sleep? Barbara Heller in How to Sleep Soundly Tonight recommends having your last meal three hours before you go to sleep.

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