Last Updated on February 16, 2023 by theworldofsleepstaff
Rice has been a staple food for many cultures around the world. No wonder too: It is versatile, nutritious and easy to prepare.
While it is traditionally eaten during meals, some people have begun incorporating rice into their bedtime routine. For good reason too. Eating a small amount of cooked rice before bed can provide several health benefits and help improve your sleep cycles.
Below we show you why eating rice can help you sleep, the benefits you could get into incorporating it into your night-time routine, tips, and we answer some common questions. Let’s get started!
Note: This content is not intended to replace medical advice or treatment. Please consult a healthcare professional for any health-related issues.
Is It OK To Eat Rice Late At Night Or Before Bed?
Eating rice before bed or late at night can actually provide several health benefits, such as improving digestive health and reducing fatigue.
Rice is a complex carbohydrate that provides the body with sustained energy, releasing glucose slowly throughout the night instead of spiking your blood sugar levels. This helps balance out your hormones and improves your metabolism while you sleep.
Eating rice also increases serotonin and melatonin production, which is essential for regulating your sleep cycle.
On the other hand, consuming large amounts of rice before bed can cause digestive issues due to its high starch content.
Therefore, it is best to stick with a small portion of cooked white or brown rice as part of an overall healthy diet.
Why Does Rice Help You Sleep Better?
Rice is a complex carbohydrate that helps replenish the body’s glycogen store, allowing for more efficient fuel absorption to help you sleep.
As mentioned above, eating rice before bed increases serotonin and tryptophan levels in the brain, which helps induce relaxation – all of which can help you get a better night’s sleep.
On top of that, rice also provides essential minerals like magnesium and zinc, which help regulate melatonin, the hormone responsible for the sleep-wake cycle and which ultimately makes us feel sleepy.
Additionally, the carbohydrates in rice can help slow down the release of sugar into the bloodstream, preventing a surge of energy that could keep you awake at night.
Therefore a small serving of cooked white or brown rice before bed can help reduce stress and promote better sleep cycles. However, it is essential to keep your portion size small and avoid consuming large amounts of rice before bed.
Too much can lead to digestive issues and spike blood sugar levels, which could keep you up at night. Instead, stick with a small serving of cooked rice as part of an overall healthy diet for optimal benefits.
Top 12 Health Benefits of Eating Rice Before Bed
Before bedtime, a small portion of cooked white, brown, or jasmine rice can provide several health benefits. Here are the top 12 health benefits associated with eating rice before bed:
1. Regulates Blood Sugar Levels
Eating a small amount of cooked rice before bed helps regulate blood sugar levels, providing your body with energy throughout the night.
This can prevent your body from reaching a “crash” in the middle of the night while providing stable energy throughout the day.
2. Prevents Hunger
Eating rice before bed will help you to stay full and prevent hunger or cravings during the night. In addition, this will reduce snacking or eating unhealthy foods, which can cause weight gain or disrupt sleeping patterns.
3. It’s Magnesium Rich
Rice is an excellent source of magnesium, which helps to relax your muscles and calm the nervous system. This makes it an excellent food to eat before bed if you have insomnia or poor sleep quality.
Indeed magnesium is one mineral that’s often prescribed by doctors for minor sleep issues.
4. Improves Digestion
Rice is easy to digest, which makes it a great bedtime snack. Eating rice before bed can also help regulate digestion and prevent constipation or other digestive issues.
5. Boosts Immune System
Rice contains B vitamins essential for boosting the immune system and fighting illnesses. Eating rice before bed can help to keep your immune system healthy and prevent you from getting sick.
6. Prevents Heart Disease
Rice is a good source of magnesium, which helps to reduce cholesterol levels and prevent heart disease. In addition, eating a small portion of cooked rice before bed can protect against hypertension and other cardiovascular issues.
7. Boosts Metabolism
The carbohydrates in rice can help to boost your metabolism and improve your body’s ability to burn fat. Eating a small portion of cooked rice before bed can also help you to stay energized throughout the night and prevent weight gain.
8. Improves Memory
Rice is rich in thiamine, which helps to improve your memory and cognitive function. Eating rice before bed can help to keep your brain sharp and prevent age-related cognitive decline.
9. B Vitamins
Rice is an excellent source of B vitamins, essential for maintaining energy throughout the day. Eating rice before bed can help to keep your energy levels up and prevent fatigue or exhaustion.
10. Contains Antioxidants
Rice is rich in antioxidants, which help to protect your cells against damage caused by free radicals. Eating rice before bed can also help to reduce inflammation and prevent age-related diseases like cancer or Alzheimer’s.
11. Keeps Skin Healthy
The nutrients in rice can help to keep your skin healthy and prevent signs of ageing. Eating a small portion of cooked rice before bed can also provide moisture and elasticity to the skin, making it look younger and firmer.
12. Reduces Stress
Rice is a good source of magnesium, which helps to reduce stress and improve sleep quality. Eating a small portion of cooked rice before bed can also help to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation throughout the night.
10 Helpful Tips For Eating Rice Before Bed
A small portion of cooked rice before bed can provide several health benefits. Here are ten helpful tips to keep in mind when eating rice before bed:
1. Choose White or Brown Rice
Both white and brown rice can be eaten before bed, but brown rice may be the most beneficial option due to its lower glycemic index.
2. Cook on Low Heat
Cooking rice on low heat ensures it doesn’t become overly sticky or mushy. This makes it easier to digest and prevents digestive discomfort.
3. Eat a Small Portion
Eating a small portion of cooked rice before bed is the ideal balance between not overeating and getting enough nutrients.
4. Add Other Foods
You can combine cooked rice with vegetables, beans, nuts, or seeds to add extra nutrition and flavour.
5. Avoid Oils and Fats
Adding fats or oils to cooked rice can make it harder to digest and cause digestive issues.
6. Avoid Sugar
Adding sugar to cooked rice can increase blood sugar levels and interfere with sleep quality.
7. Avoid Spices
Adding spices like chilli powder, pepper, or garlic can irritate the stomach and interfere with sleep.
8. Avoid Condiments
Adding condiments like ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise to cooked rice can interfere with digestion and cause digestive issues.
9. Drink Water
Drinking plenty of water before bed can help to flush out toxins and prevent constipation caused by eating rice.
10. Don’t Overeat
Overeating rice can result in digestive issues and interfere with sleep quality, so eating a small portion before bed is essential.
Can White Rice Cause Insomnia?
There is no definitive answer, as the effects of white rice before bedtime will vary from person to person.
Some may find that eating white rice causes increased alertness or difficulty falling asleep due to a spike in blood sugar levels. For others, however, white rice may have the opposite effect and can provide an additional energy source to help them drift off to sleep.
Ultimately, it will depend on how the individual responds to eating white rice before bedtime.
If you are considering having white rice as a late-night snack and are concerned about its potential effects on your sleep, it may be best to try only small portions. Too much may lead to an elevated blood sugar level, disrupting sleep.
Additionally, practising good bedtime habits, such as avoiding stimulants (like caffeine) and keeping the bedroom dark and cool, is essential. Eating a balanced dinner earlier in the evening may help create a better sleeping environment.
FAQs
What is the best time to eat rice?
The best time to eat rice is usually in the evening or at least two hours before bedtime. This allows your body enough time to digest the food and prevents digestive discomfort.
What kind of rice is best to eat before bed?
White or brown rice are both excellent options for eating before bed, but brown rice may be the most beneficial option due to its lower glycemic index.
Final Thoughts
Eating a small portion of cooked rice before bed can benefit your overall health and give you several essential vitamins and minerals. However, it is important to eat in moderation and avoid adding fats, oils, sugar, spices, or condiments.
Additionally, drink plenty of water afterwards to help flush out toxins. Ultimately, the best time to eat rice is a few hours before bedtime, as it allows your body enough time to digest the food without disrupting sleep.
If you decide that eating white rice before bed is the right choice, practice good bedtime habits and have balanced meals during the day to help create a better sleeping environment for yourself.
Doing this will enable you to reap the benefits of eating rice at night without compromising sleep quality.