Health · Fitness & Nutrition · 10 hrs ago
Meal balance and digestion may matter more than food type for sleep
Sonal Chandalia, a clinical nutritionist at Jaslok Hospital in Mumbai, says both plant and animal foods can support sleep.
Plant-based meals can provide fibre, complex carbohydrates, protein and nutrients involved in the body's sleep cycle.
Eggs, skim milk and lean meats can also supply protein and nutrients linked to sleep regulation.
The balance of a meal matters more than its category, including its amounts of carbohydrates, protein, fat and fibre.
Heavy, high-fat or high-protein meals may take longer to digest, so Chandalia says it is preferable to eat them earlier.
Easy digestion can help make sleep easier, while foods that suit a person's digestion may support gut health.
The advice focuses on food choices and timing; it does not say that diet replaces medical care for sleep problems.
A nutritionist says meal balance, digestion and timing may matter more for sleep than whether food is plant- or animal-based.
Sonal Chandalia of Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre says plant foods can provide fibre, complex carbohydrates, protein, fats and nutrients that support sleep.
She says animal foods such as eggs, skim milk and lean meats can also provide protein and neurotransmitter precursors linked to the sleep cycle.
High-fat or high-protein meals may take longer to digest, so the article says such foods are preferable earlier in the day.
- Who
- Sonal Chandalia, a clinical nutritionist at Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai.
- What
- She says balanced meals and ease of digestion may matter more for sleep than whether foods are plant- or animal-based.
- When
- The article was published on 2026-10-17.
- Where
- Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre is in Mumbai. The article was published by the Indian Express.
- Why
- The article says meal composition affects satiety and digestion, which can influence ease of sleep.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Published
- 2026-10-17
- Expert
- Sonal Chandalia
- Institution
- Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai
- Plant foods
- Sources of soluble fibre, complex carbohydrates, protein and heart-friendly fat, according to Chandalia
What people are saying
Plant-based foods contribute neurotransmitter precursors of tryptophan and serotonin, which your body uses to make melatonin, a hormone responsible for sleep-cycle regulation.
If the plant-based food is digestively acceptable, it is light, especially as an evening meal and would help maintain gut health and promote good quality sleep
High-protein and high-fat foods can add to the digestive load and prevent the metabolism from resting.
This determines the level of satiety and ease of digestion, which in turn decides the ease of sleep