Can eating pomegranate cause insomnia?
Disease description:
I ate a large pomegranate before bed last night, and as a result, I tossed and turned but just couldn't fall asleep. My sleep used to be pretty good. Could this pomegranate be the culprit? Can eating pomegranates really cause insomnia?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yu Yongchao
In general, eating pomegranates does not cause insomnia, but excessive consumption may indirectly affect sleep.
Pomegranate is a nutrient-rich fruit, high in vitamin C, fructose, organic acids, and various trace elements. Consuming pomegranate in moderation not only helps supply the body's nutritional needs but also contributes to enhancing immunity and promoting digestion. Under normal circumstances, moderate consumption of pomegranate does not directly affect the nervous system nor cause insomnia.
However, excessive consumption of pomegranate, or eating too many pomegranate seeds, may irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, stimulate excessive secretion of gastric acid, and cause discomfort symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. If these symptoms occur at night, they may affect sleep quality and indirectly lead to insomnia. Additionally, pomegranate also contains a certain amount of sugar, and excessive intake of high-sugar foods may cause blood sugar fluctuations that affect sleep.
It is recommended to maintain good lifestyle habits and avoid eating any food for a period of time before bedtime to maintain good sleep quality.
