Expert reveals common snacking mistake that could be harming your sleep

A common snacking mistake could be affecting our sleep quality, according to an expert.

Many of us enjoy a bowl of cereal as a late-night snack to keep hunger at bay before bedtime. However, Ashley Hainsworth from Bed Kingdom warns that choosing the wrong type of cereal can actually make it harder for us to get a good night's rest.

The sleep expert said: "Going to bed hungry can be detrimental to our chances of a well-earned rest, so a bowl of cereal is a popular choice as a light snack for many people. However, we should be paying close attention to what exactly is in the cereal, as choosing unwisely can have the opposite effect and keep us up."

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He explained that research has shown a direct link between eating lots of sugar and having poor sleep. Cereals high in sugar give us energy, stimulate the brain and can increase restlessness so should be avoided before bed if possible, Ashley said.

Instead, Ashley suggests choosing a wholegrain-based cereal that's low in sugar and calories. Other options could include natural yoghurt or a handful of nuts. "Ideally, your late evening snack will offer a balance of fibre, protein and fat to reduce the risk of a restless night," he added.

Eating a lot of sugar can cause your insulin and blood sugar levels to spike, giving you a surge of energy and then causing you to crash. In addition, many breakfast cereals contain a high amount of sugar, which can contribute to health problems like obesity.

To improve your chances of getting a good night's sleep, it is recommended that you cut down on sugary foods. However, some other food and