Because it kind of does.
Eating before bed not only messes with
leptin levels, but it can impede growth
hormone release, which is critical for tissue
regeneration and growth and repair of many
cells in the body. And if that snack is sugary
or rich in refined carbs, it also pushes insulin
levels up, which may lead to a blood sugar
crash in the middle of the night. This affects
melatonin secretion, which governs our sleep
patterns, and means you could wake up
hungry at 2 a.m., unable to get back to sleep.
Your mom was right. Don’t eat before
bed.