The idea that eating cheese before bed gives you nightmares has been passed down as a curious food myth, but is there any truth to it? While the connection between cheese and bad dreams has not been proven by strong scientific evidence, there are several explanations for why this belief has persisted, and some research offers insights into how cheese and other foods can affect sleep quality and dream recall.
The myth dates back to the Victorian era, where it was widely believed that eating cheese late at night led to strange or disturbing dreams. The British Cheese Board even commissioned a study in 2005, which found that participants who ate different types of cheese before bed reported varied dream content. For example, Stilton cheese was linked with vivid and sometimes bizarre dreams, while cheddar was associated with dreams involving celebrities. While interesting, the study was small, non-peer-reviewed, and more of a publicity effort than hard science. Still, it fueled the long-standing connection between cheese and unusual dreams.
From a biological standpoint, cheese contains an amino acid called tryptophan, which plays a role in the production of serotonin and melatonin, two chemicals that regulate mood and sleep. Foods rich in tryptophan may promote sleep, not nightmares. However, cheese is also high in fat and can be harder to digest, particularly when consumed right before lying down. Eating heavy or fatty foods close to bedtime can increase the likelihood of indigestion, acid reflux, or disrupted sleep. Research in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine shows that poor or fragmented sleep can increase dream recall, including the recall of unpleasant dreams or nightmares. In other words, the issue may not be the cheese itself, but the way it affects sleep quality in some individuals.
Another factor to consider is that sleep stages influence dream experiences. Nightmares occur most often during REM sleep, when the brain is highly active. If eating cheese late at night interferes with digestion or increases the likelihood of restlessness, it may make transitions into REM sleep more noticeable. This could make dreams, whether negative or vivid, easier to remember upon waking. A study published in Appetite noted that late-night eating in general was associated with more remembered dreams, some of which were negative, further linking diet and dream experiences.
The bottom line is that cheese does not directly cause nightmares, but eating it before bed could influence digestion and sleep quality, which in turn may affect dream recall. Individual responses vary, and while some may experience unusual dreams after indulging in late-night cheese, others may notice no difference at all.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. If you experience frequent nightmares or sleep disturbances, consult a qualified healthcare professional.
References:
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British Cheese Board. (2005). Cheese and dreams study. Retrieved from https://www.cheeseboard.co.uk
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Peuhkuri, K., Sihvola, N., & Korpela, R. (2012). Diet promotes sleep duration and quality. Nutrition Research, 32(5), 309–319.
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St-Onge, M. P., Mikic, A., & Pietrolungo, C. E. (2016). Effects of diet on sleep quality. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 12(3), 289–296.
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Crispim, C. A., Zimberg, I. Z., Dos Reis, B. G., Diniz, R. M., Tufik, S., & De Mello, M. T. (2011). Relationship between food intake and sleep pattern in healthy individuals. Appetite, 57(3), 604–608.