My late mother was never short of advice: sitting too close to the TV will make you go blind, grapefruit burns fat, and don’t eat a big meal before bedtime were just some of the gems she trotted out on a regular basis.
But while some of Mum’s advice may have been based more on folklore than evidence, it turns out she was on the money when it came to late-night eating.
Dan Ford, registered psychologist and founder of Auckland’s Better Sleep Clinic, says eating a large meal before bedtime can disrupt your sleep.
“It’s better for you to be awake when your body is digesting food,” says Dan. “If you have a heavy meal containing a lot of fat and spices, you may find it harder to fall asleep. Acid reflux from digestion can also lead to heartburn, which can
