Your evening phone use might be ruining your sleep, despite lighter dinners. Experts link diet and sleep rhythms to health.
Diet and sleep are closely linked
Eating lighter in the evening is often thought to improve sleep, but disrupted nights may be caused by other factors. According to Dr. José Manuel Fernández, diet and sleep rhythms are closely connected and influence both physical and mental health.Evening phone use disrupts sleep
Dietitian-nutritionist Melanie Sol Biloni points out that evening phone use can undermine sleep efforts. She notes that exposure to natural light in the morning helps regulate circadian rhythms, but evening screen time can interfere with this process.Timing of meals affects sleep
Melanie Sol Biloni recommends eating dinner earlier, ideally when there is natural light. This timing allows for the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep, to occur properly after the meal.Limiting screen time before bed is key
She also advises limiting screen exposure at least one hour before bedtime. If that is not possible, reducing blue light exposure is recommended. Using a phone before sleep can stimulate both the mind and eyes, making it harder to fall asleep.
