What happens if I eat carbs at night?

Eating carbohydrates at night can have several effects on your body:

1. Sleep Improvement: Consuming carbohydrates, especially those rich in starch, can enhance sleep quality. They help boost melatonin production, which improves sleep by increasing serotonin levels, promoting relaxation and making it easier to fall asleep 1 2.

2. Cortisol Management: Carbohydrates can help regulate cortisol, a stress hormone. Eating carbohydrates, especially in the evening, can lower cortisol levels, which enhances sleep quality and recovery 3.

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     Carbs and Sleep

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     Carbs and Sleep

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     Carbohydrates and Cortisol

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     Nutrition and Recovery

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3. Metabolic Considerations: While some believe that carbohydrates should be avoided at night due to concerns about blood sugar and weight gain, these views are somewhat outdated. The ability to manage sugar spikes is generally better in the morning, but for those who are not prediabetic or diabetic, consuming carbohydrates at night may not be problematic 1 4.

Overall, eating carbohydrates at night can be beneficial for sleep and stress management without significantly impacting weight or metabolism, contrary to old beliefs 4. However, if you have specific health concerns, it's always best to consult a healthcare professional.