Many of us have experienced waking from a scary, disturbing, or downright bizarre dream after indulging in certain foods before bed. Took a phantom fall into an abyss after a late-night cheese binge? Had to give an impromptu speech in the buff at your high school on curry night? We’re getting nervous just thinking about it. 

So what causes these snoozy scenarios? And does your diet actually have any effect on your dreams? Scientists at Grant McEwan University and the University of Montreal wanted to know too. So they hit the snooze button and got to work.

Does eating cheese give you bad dreams?

Their research suggested two main factors in the charmingly titled paper, “Dreams of the Rarebit Fiend: food and diet as instigators of bizarre and disturbing dreams.” Digestive issues, and the placebo effect.

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First, let’s consider the physiological aspect. Foods that are high in fat or spice can lead to digestive discomfort, bloating, and acid reflux, all of which can disrupt sleep patterns. For instance, consuming rich, fatty foods – like cheese or pizza – can slow digestion, potentially causing restlessness. Spicy foods may trigger heartburn, making it difficult to catch your 40 winks. These digestive disturbances can create an environment that’s perfect for nightmares, as the body struggles to rest while processing the food. Dairy was the culprit study participants associated most with spooky or bizarre dreams, especially if eaten late at night.

On the other hand, there are the psychological factors at play. The researchers suggested that the placebo effect may significantly impact sleep quality. The widespread belief that certain foods, especially cheese, contribute to nightmares could be a cause in and of itself.

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The study cites an unusual source for its inspiration: “In the early 1900s, the Dream of the Rarebit Fiend comic strip conveyed how the spicy cheese dish Welsh rarebit leads to bizarre and disturbing dreams. Today, the perception that foods disturb dreaming persists.” Could this belief become a self-fulfilling prophecy? The researchers theorise that the perception may lead to heightened anxiety or anticipation of bad dreams, essentially manifesting a freaky night. 

How do you get a good night’s sleep?

The key to a good night’s sleep? There are plenty of anecdotal and scientific solutions floating around, everything from the Sleepy Girl Mocktail, to chamomile tea, white noise, sleep hygiene around screen time, the list goes on (and on). The jury is still out as to whether a block of cheddar will actually summon the night hag or not – but as Halloween creeps closer, we’re not taking the risk.

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