New research suggests that eating too much cheese or other dairy before bed is linked to more bad dreams, especially for those who are lactose intolerant. But some can’t resist. https://t.co/Qg1O4BQ8Op
— The Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) August 19, 2025
If you find eating some foods makes you sleep badly, you’re not alone — and there may be a physical cause for your bad dreams. Scientists investigating links between diet, sleep problems, and cultural beliefs about diet and sleep have found that healthier evening eating habits lead to better sleep and better recall of dreams, while the consumption of dairy products is associated with nightmares. This is thought to be because lactose intolerance causes overnight digestive upsets which then affect people’s dreams.