Last Updated on October 9, 2022 by theworldofsleepstaff
When it comes to sleep, we’ll try just about anything to get a good night’s rest. Counting sheep, drinking chamomile tea, reading before bed… the list goes on. But have you ever heard of bitter melon? Some believe this humble fruit can help you sleep like a baby.
Some people may find it hard to believe, but adding bitter melon to your nightly routine can help you sleep better. This unique fruit – also called bitter gourd – is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine and has a wide variety of health benefits, including the ability to improve sleep quality.
To better understand how bitter melon can help you sleep, it’s important first to understand what the fruit is and how it works. This article will also discuss other potential benefits of bitter melon before bed so you can get a well-rounded view of this powerful fruit.
Disclaimer: You must always consult your doctor before including a new supplement or food into your daily routine as only your doctor can explain any pros or cons that are specific to you. Some supplements & foods may interfere with medications and/or cause allergic reactions.
But First: What Exactly Is Bitter Melon?
Bitter melon has been used in Asia as a folk remedy for various ills. The small, dark green fruit resembles a cucumber and tastes slightly bitter.
Bitter melon is rich in vitamin C, beta-carotene, and potassium. It also contains compounds that may have anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects.
Bitter melon is typically eaten cooked. However, it can be stir-fried, boiled, or used in soups and stews. Some people also take it as a supplement.
Is Bitter Melon Good For Sleep?
If you’re looking for a natural way to improve your sleep, you may want to try bitter melon. This unique fruit has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various ailments, including insomnia.
While no scientific evidence supports its use for sleep, some people find that it helps them fall asleep more quickly and stay asleep throughout the night.
Bitter melon is thought to affect the serotonin level in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in regulating sleep. By increasing serotonin levels, bitter melon may help to promote better sleep. In addition, bitter melon contains compounds that have sedative effects, which can also help you sleep.
If you’re interested in trying bitter melon for sleep, you can find it in supplement form at most health food stores. It’s also sometimes used as an ingredient in teas and other beverages.
When taking supplements, follow the dosage instructions on the product label. And if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking any supplements.
Top 9 Benefits of Having Bitter Melon Before Bed
It may not be a typical bedtime snack, but adding bitter melon to your diet may offer surprising benefits.
1. May Help Lower Blood Sugar Levels
Bitter melon contains compounds that may help lower blood sugar levels.
What this might do to your sleep patterns is improve them. That’s because if your blood sugar levels are constantly spiking and crashing throughout the night, it can disturb your sleep.
But by keeping your blood sugar levels stable, bitter melon may help you sleep more soundly through the night.
2. May Help Reduce Inflammation
Inflammation can affect sleep quality. Studies have shown that people with inflammatory conditions like arthritis are more likely to experience sleep problems.
Bitter melon contains compounds that may help reduce inflammation. It may also help improve sleep quality by reducing inflammation-related sleep disruptions.
3. May Help Improve Sleep Quality
Bitter melon may also help improve sleep quality by directly affecting sleep-promoting hormones.
Studies have shown that bitter melon extract can increase levels of the hormone melatonin in the body. Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle.
Bitter melon may also increase adenosine levels, another hormone that promotes sleep.
4. May Help Reduce Stress Levels
Stress can have a significant impact on sleep quality. It’s one of the most common reasons why people have difficulty sleeping.
Bitter melon may help reduce stress levels and improve sleep quality by affecting the stress hormone cortisol.
The impact of bitter melon on cortisol levels is twofold. First, bitter melon may help reduce the release of cortisol in response to stress. Second, it may help the clear body cortisol more quickly so that stress hormones don’t build up in the body and disrupt sleep.
5. May Help Improve Digestion
Digestive problems like indigestion, heartburn, and constipation can all disrupt sleep. That’s because they can cause discomfort, making it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep.
Bitter melon may help improve digestion and reduce digestive disruptions to sleep by increasing the production of digestive juices.
Bitter melon also contains compounds that may help relax the digestive tract muscles, relieving constipation and making it easier to have a healthy bowel movement.
6. May Help Your Cholesterol Levels
Some people with cholesterol problems have trouble sleeping. That’s because cholesterol can build up in the arteries and reduce blood flow to the brain, leading to sleep problems.
Bitter melon may help improve sleep quality by reducing cholesterol levels.
Studies have shown that bitter melon can lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and triglycerides while raising HDL (“good”) cholesterol.
7. May Be Beneficial For Liver Health
Liver problems can lead to a build-up of toxins in the body, which can cause sleep problems. If one has a fatty liver, for example, they may experience fatigue and sleepiness during the day due to the build-up of toxins in the body.
Bitter melon may be beneficial for liver health by helping to reduce the build-up of toxins in the body.
With the above, your sleep quality may improve as a result.
8. Is High In Nutrients
Bitter melon is high in vitamins and minerals essential for health, such as vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium.
It also contains compounds that have been shown to have medicinal properties, such as charantin and vicine.
When your body has enough essential nutrients, your sleep quality may improve as your body can function correctly.
9. May Help With Constipation
Bitter melon may help constipation by increasing the production of digestive juices and relaxing the digestive tract muscles. This can make it easier to have a healthy bowel movement.
With such a condition, your sleep may improve as you will not be woken up by an uncomfortable feeling in the middle of the night.
Potential Side Effects Of Bitter Melon Before Bed
Because we have discussed the benefits of bitter melon before bed, it is time to discuss its side effects.
1. Bitter Melon May Cause Stomach Upset
If you are not used to eating bitter foods, then consuming bitter melon before bed may cause stomach upset. It is best to start with a small amount and gradually increase the amount you consume to allow your body to get used to it.
It is standard for people to experience stomach upset after consuming bitter melon. This is usually because of the high content of quinine in bitter melon. Quinine is known to cause stomach upsets in some people.
2. May Lower Blood Sugar Levels
If you are diabetic or prediabetic, you should be careful about consuming bitter melon. This is because bitter melon can lower blood sugar levels. So if you are already taking medication to control your blood sugar levels, consuming bitter melon may cause your blood sugar levels to drop too low.
It is best to talk to your doctor before consuming bitter melon if you have diabetes or prediabetes.
3. Bitter Melon May Cause Diarrhea
Another common side effect of bitter melon is diarrhoea. This is again due to the quinine content in bitter melon. If you experience any diarrhoea after consuming bitter melon, it is best to reduce the amount you consume or stop consuming it altogether.
But not all people will experience diarrhoea after consuming bitter melon. It depends on your tolerance to quinine.
These are some of the common side effects of bitter melon. But it is important to remember that not everyone will experience these side effects. It depends on your tolerance to quinine and other compounds in bitter melon. If you experience any side effects, it is best to reduce the amount you consume or stop consuming bitter melon altogether.
Who Should Not Eat Bitter Melon Before Bed?
Although not an exhaustive list, here’s who should be wary of consuming bitter melon – aka bitter gourd.
Diabetics
If you have diabetes, you should avoid consuming bitter melon before bed. This is because bitter melon can lower blood sugar levels. In addition, if you are already taking medication to control your blood sugar levels, consuming bitter melon may cause your blood sugar levels to drop too low.
Pregnant Women
Pregnant women should also avoid consuming bitter melon before bed. Bitter melon can stimulate uterine contractions, which may lead to premature labour.
Breastfeeding Women
Breastfeeding women should also avoid consuming bitter melon before bed. This is because the quinine in bitter melon can pass into breast milk, which may not be safe for the nursing baby.
So, these are some of the people who should avoid consuming bitter melon before bed. Of course, if you fall into any of these categories, it is best to avoid consuming bitter melon before bed. But if you do consume it, make sure to do so in moderation.
Five Alternatives To Bitter Melon Before Bed
1. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is an excellent alternative to bitter melon before bed. This is because chamomile tea contains compounds that can help to relax your mind and body. This may help you to sleep better.
2. Valerian Root Tea
Valerian root tea is another good alternative to bitter melon before bed. This is because valerian root tea contains compounds that can help to relax your mind and body. This may help you to sleep better.
3. Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is another good alternative to bitter melon before bed. This is because lavender oil has soothing and relaxing properties. You can add a few drops of lavender oil to your diffuser and inhale the fumes before bed. This may help you to sleep better.
4. Melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone that is responsible for regulating sleep. You can take melatonin supplements before going to bed. This may help you to sleep better.
5. Passionflower Tea
Passionflower tea is another good alternative to bitter melon before bed. This is because passionflower tea contains compounds that can help to relax your mind and body. This may help you to sleep better.
FAQs
Can I drink bitter gourd juice at night?
There’s no hard and fast rule about when you can or cannot drink bitter gourd juice. Some people find that it helps them sleep better, while others find it gives them more energy. If you’re interested in trying bitter gourd juice, we recommend drinking it in the evening to see how it affects your sleep.
What is the best time to eat bitter gourd?
There is no definitive answer to this question. Some people find that eating bitter gourd in the morning helps them start their day on a positive note, while others find that eating it at night helps them wind down and relax. The best time to eat bitter gourd is whenever you feel it will benefit you the most.
How much is bitter melon too much to take before bed?
The recommendation is to take no more than 2-3 capsules. Taking too much bitter melon can cause gastrointestinal issues like diarrhoea and stomach cramps. If unsure how much to take, start with a lower dose and increase it gradually.
Bitter melon is a powerful herb with many health benefits. However, it’s important to take it in moderation. Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider before taking bitter melon if you have any questions or concerns.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we have discussed bitter melon’s benefits and side effects before bed. We have also seen that some people should avoid consuming bitter melon before bed. However, if you do consume it, make sure to do so in moderation.
If you experience any side effects after consuming bitter melon, it is best to reduce the amount you consume or stop consuming it altogether.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.