The long-standing belief that eating cheese before bed can cause nightmares has returned to the spotlight, stirring debate on social media and sparking curiosity among health-conscious consumers. While it may sound like an old wives’ tale, the connection between cheese and strange dreams isn’t entirely unfounded.
Where Did This Idea Come From?
The belief likely originated from centuries-old folklore across Europe, where dairy products were sometimes linked to unsettling dreams. In recent times, the topic resurfaced when a small 2005 survey conducted by the now-defunct British Cheese Board suggested certain cheeses could influence dream patterns.
The non-scientific study involved 200 volunteers who ate different cheeses before bed. While no participants reported frightening nightmares, many noted unusually vivid or peculiar dreams. For example, people who ate Stilton reported “bizarre and surreal” dreams, while cheddar eaters often dreamt about celebrities.
What Does Modern Science Say?
Today, sleep researchers say there’s no strong evidence that cheese causes nightmares. However, cheese contains tryptophan, an amino acid known to promote serotonin and melatonin production — two hormones that help regulate mood and sleep.
Experts explain that eating heavy or high-fat foods like cheese late at night may increase metabolic activity and disturb normal sleep cycles. This disturbance can make dreams more vivid or emotionally intense, which some may interpret as nightmares.
“It’s not the cheese itself, but when and how much you eat that can affect your sleep quality,” says Dr. Meera Bansal, a sleep medicine specialist. “Any food that disrupts sleep can lead to more dream recall — and if you’re already stressed, that dream could turn dark.”
Sleep Disruptions vs. Nightmares
Nightmares are most commonly linked to factors like stress, trauma, anxiety, medications, and inconsistent sleep schedules. While certain foods may act as a trigger, they’re rarely the root cause. Eating cheese in moderation, especially earlier in the evening, is unlikely to disturb most people’s sleep.
The Bottom Line
Cheese doesn’t directly cause nightmares, but consuming it — or any heavy food — just before bed may increase the chances of vivid or unusual dreams. If you’re sensitive to sleep disturbances, it’s wise to avoid late-night snacking altogether.
So, should you give up your bedtime cheese craving? Not necessarily. Just don’t overdo it — and maybe skip the spicy toppings.
