For many people, cheese is the very best dairy has to offer. Whether it’s Parmesan, Gouda, Brie or Gorgonzola, there’s a wide range of textures and flavors that allow it to be incorporated into countless dishes, from breakfast to dinner, sweet to savory, or hot to cold. When you think of cheese, it’s a safe bet you don’t associate it with nightmares, but now there’s scientific proof that it can cause problems for some people. Researchers have found that lactose-intolerant people who consume dairy have a higher likelihood of experiencing nightmares, especially when eaten later in the day. These new findings suggest that changing eating habits for people with food sensitivities could reduce those nightmares. Researchers found that nearly twice as many women report poor sleep associated with dairy than do men. Previous research suggests that tyramine — a substance found in aged cheeses — may contribute, as it affects brain chemical levels. Eating late-night meals, which disrupt digestion during sleep, could also play a role. However, the study didn't test whether vegan cheeses produce the same effect. For those prone to bad sleep after eating, experts recommend avoiding food at least two hours before bedtime.
