Here’s Why You’re Always Hungry at Night

Woman snacking
Photo by Tim Samuel from Pexels

Oh, the before-bedtime hunger. It’s just the worst. You’re ready to go to bed after a long day and you’re tucked nice and warm in your blankets when all of the sudden out of the blue, your stomach starts growling. Before you know it, you’re starving. So, what’s that all about, and what you do about it?

Why Does it Happen?

There are many reasons you may feel hungry at night like boredom or not eating enough during the day. Make sure you’re eating enough protein and getting enough sleep at night. You should be getting between seven to eight hours a night. Also, try to avoid having too many simple carbs like white rice, potatoes, and pasta, at dinner. Simple carbs will make you feel hungrier sooner than proteins, fats, and fiber.

How Can You Prevent Nighttime Cravings?

As mentioned, start by going to bed early and be mindful of what you’re eating throughout the day, especially for dinner. If you get hungry before bed, there’s nothing wrong with having a snack and it may even help you sleep better. A good nighttime snack is a small portion of healthy fat and protein like whole-fat Greek yogurt, a cheese stick, peanut butter, or nuts. The fat will keep you feeling fuller for longer.