That’s because your favorite curry can mess with digestion, even in the middle of the night after you’ve already fallen asleep. Spicy foods also have high levels of capsaicin, a phytochemical that increases metabolism and thermogenesis (calorie burn for heat), which can also interfere with some people’s sleep. Nutritional psychiatrist Uma Naidoo, M.D., once explained that “consuming 2.5 milligrams of capsaicin per meal (7.68 mg/day) has been shown to restore the energy balance in the body.” Which is not exactly something you want right before your head hits the pillow. To get your magnesium fix without risking stomach upset, you can also take mbg’s sleep support+ supplement, which combines magnesium with other proven sleep enhancers like jujube and PharmaGABA® for deeper sleep and more energized mornings.*
