Dr. David Orman

Q: Which common food or supplement might be interfering with my sleep quality even though it is considered healthy?

A: Many people are surprised to learn that a food or supplement they take for health can quietly interfere with sleep. Items like green tea, dark chocolate, and even certain superfoods contain natural stimulants that linger longer than expected. Magnesium blends with added B vitamins, late evening protein shakes, or herbal formulas designed for energy can subtly activate the nervous system. The result is not always trouble falling asleep, but lighter sleep, frequent waking, or reduced deep restorative phases.

Timing plays a critical role. Healthy fats, fermented foods, and adaptogenic herbs are excellent during the day, yet can be disruptive when taken at night. Digestion itself requires energy and nervous system activity, so late meals or supplements can keep the body in a semi alert state. Even supplements labeled as calming may include ingredients that stimulate cortisol or blood sugar if taken too late, quietly sabotaging sleep quality without obvious signs.

The solution is awareness, not elimination. Paying attention to when you consume foods and supplements can dramatically improve sleep without changing what you take. Shifting stimulating nutrients to earlier in the day and reserving evenings for truly calming inputs allows the body to follow its natural rhythm. When sleep improves, healing, hormone balance, and mental clarity often follow, proving that sometimes the smallest adjustments create the deepest restoration.