With Easter approaching, many of us are waiting to enjoy the varieties of chocolate eggs that take over store shelves and markets at this time of year. However, an important question to consider is how chocolate consumption can influence the quality of our sleep. After all, is the most popular sweet in the world a villain or a good guy?
According to Dr. Geraldo Lorenzi Filho, Medical Director and Sleep Medicine Specialist at Biologix, chocolate is not necessarily a villain, but it can contain caffeine and other stimulants, such as theobromine, which can interfere with the process of falling asleep. Studies by the National Sleep Foundation indicate that the caffeine present in a chocolate bar can remain in the body for, on average, three to four hours, and can last up to twelve hours in sensitive people, which can significantly harm sleep, especially for people who have recurrent episodes of insomnia. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid consumption close to bedtime.
Lorenzi-Filho emphasizes that chocolate also has benefits due to the antioxidants and flavonoids it contains, and it is not necessary to eliminate it from the diet. However, it is essential to consume it in moderation. According to him, opting for varieties with lower sugar and caffeine content can be a healthier option for those who want to enjoy chocolate without compromising their quality of sleep.
According to the expert, the biggest sleep thieves are present in all of our daily lives, regardless of the time of year. “We eat at the wrong time, often unhealthy foods, we do little physical exercise, sometimes we drink too much caffeine and sleep is always forgotten. Furthermore, many hours of screen time, especially at night, delay the onset of sleep. The problem is that in the morning the alarm goes off and we end up restricting the number of hours of sleep”, highlights Dr. Geraldo.
The holiday can help us pay a little more attention to our sleep. By making conscious choices regarding the consumption of chocolate and other foods, we can ensure not only a delicious Easter celebration, but also ensure revitalizing and restorative sleep.
About Dr. Geraldo Lorenzi Filho:
Dr. Geraldo Lorenzi Filho is a pulmonologist, Medical Director and Sleep Medicine Specialist at Biologix. Furthermore, he is coordinator of the Sleep Laboratory at the Heart Institute (InCor) at the Hospital das Clínicas at the Faculty of Medicine at USP. With extensive experience in the field, Dr. Lorenzi Filho is recognized for his dedication to the study and treatment of sleep disorders and has been a prominent voice in promoting sleep health in Brazil.
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*With information from the press office
