There is a close connection between our diet and sleep.
In the cold winter months the temptation to have a night snack in front of the TV increases.
So what can you eat at night to ensure a good sleep?
"Usually it is recommended to stop eating between two and three hours before going to sleep," says Catherine Kelly, a dietitian at Britain's National Health Service in an interview with "Newsweek".
Eating close to bedtime may increase the risk of heartburn and even disrupt the biological clock, making it difficult to fall asleep.
Foods consumed at night can also turn into fat due to a slowdown in metabolism while our body prepares for sleep.
However, there are some foods that, in small amounts, may actually help you fall asleep.
Sleep well, photo: GettyImages
"Foods that contain the amino acid tryptophan such as milk, fish, eggs, green vegetables, legumes and nuts are thought to be beneficial in helping you fall asleep," Kelly said.
"Tryptophan is an amino acid that is necessary for the production of proteins, it turns into serotonin and melatonin that affect the body's sleep and wake cycle."
But nighttime snacks are not the only ones that affect sleep.
"Sleep is affected by your entire daily diet, what you put into your body on a regular basis and also your physical activity."
The thought that an alcoholic drink before bed will make us fall asleep better is a mistake.
Studies have shown that alcohol significantly affects the sleep cycle.
"Alcohol causes a feeling of dryness in the body and at the same time is a diuretic, which will make you wake up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom."
It's also no secret that caffeinated beverages like tea and coffee can keep you up at night.
"Caffeine blocks some of the receptors that promote feelings of fatigue and may be the cause of difficulty falling asleep. Reducing the amount of caffeinated beverages later in the day may help."
But caffeine can also be found in other foods and drinks, especially chocolate and carbonated drinks, so if you suffer from difficulties falling asleep it is recommended to reduce them.
While eating and drinking before bed is not recommended, if you still feel like a little something at night, it is recommended to look for foods rich in tryptophan such as oatmeal, warm milk with a little honey, almonds, pumpkin seeds or yogurt.
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