Is It Bad to Eat Shrimp Before Bed?

Many people enjoy a small, late-night snack before heading to bed. However, certain foods can disrupt sleep and aren’t ideal to eat close to your bedtime. So is shrimp something you should avoid eating late at night? Or is it fine to munch on some succulent shrimp before going to sleep?

In this article, we’ll examine how shrimp affects sleep, digestion, and other aspects of your health when consumed as a nighttime snack. You’ll learn whether shrimp is a smart choice for late meals or if you’re better off picking something else.

Shrimp Nutrition Profile

Before determining how shrimp affects your pre-bedtime dining, let’s first look at its nutritional makeup:

• High protein – A 3 oz serving of shrimp provides over 18g protein, supporting muscle growth and satiety.

• Low calorie – With under 100 calories per 3 oz, shrimp is a lean source of protein that won’t overload your late night calorie intake.

• Rich in selenium – Shrimp provides over 50% your RDA of the antioxidant mineral selenium per serving.

• Good source of vitamin B12 – A serving contains over half your daily B12 needs, aiding nerve health.

• Contains tryptophan – Shrimp provides this amino acid that promotes sleep and relaxation

Reasons Eating Shrimp at Night May Be Beneficial

Based on its nutritional profile, here are some potential benefits of eating shrimp before bed:

• Promotes sleep – The tryptophan in shrimp may help you fall asleep more easily at night.

• Muscle repair – The protein in shrimp can help rebuild and repair muscle tissue overnight.

• Lowers cortisol – Selenium has been shown to reduce cortisol levels, lowering stress.

• Aids metabolism – The protein keeps your metabolism fired up overnight for fat burning.

• Controls appetite – Protein is very satiating, curbing late night hunger pangs.

• Heart protection – Selenium offers cardiovascular benefits by decreasing inflammation and oxidative stress.

So shrimp provides key nutrients that can support health when eaten shortly before bedtime.

Potential Drawbacks of Nighttime Shrimp

However, there are a few possible downsides of late shrimp meals:

• Acid production – Shrimp is relatively high in purines which can increase uric acid levels if consumed in excess.

• Cholesterol content – Dietary cholesterol from shrimp may negatively impact blood lipid levels in some individuals.

• Fat content – The small amount of fat, though unsaturated, could still cause minor GI upset.

• High sodium – Shrimp tends to be high in sodium, which can exacerbate sleep issues tied to salt sensitivity.

• Allergies – Those with shellfish allergies may react or get hives after eating shrimp at night.

So while shrimp has sleep and health benefits, it does need to be consumed in moderation at night.

Ideal Portion Sizes for Nighttime Shrimp

To enjoy shrimp as a nutritious late snack and minimize any potential downsides, stick to these recommended serving sizes:

• 3-5 medium shrimp (1.5-2.5 oz)
• 1⁄4 cup shrimp cocktail
• 1⁄3 cup shrimp stir fry veggies
• 1⁄2 shrimp fajita taco

Aim to keep your total shrimp intake under 3 oz, or 100 calories worth. Pair it with vegetable sides over starchy carbs. And avoid dunking it in fatty sauces or seasonings.

Other Tips for Safe, Healthy Shrimp Eating at Night

Here are some other ways to make shrimp an even wiser choice for late night noshing:

• Choose wild-caught or sustainably farmed shrimp over imported farmed shrimp when possible. This limits contaminant exposure.

• Buy raw, shell-on shrimp and cook it yourself. This avoids preservatives and added sodium from processed shrimp.

• Consider boiling the shrimp briefly to reduce purines before eating.

• Balance it with heart-healthy sides like avocado, olives, or tomato.

• Avoid shrimp if you have severe shellfish allergies or gout. Opt for a plant-based protein before bed instead.

The Verdict: Shrimp in Moderation Is Likely Fine

In reasonable amounts, shrimp can be a nutritious and sleep-promoting snack option before bedtime. Stick to best practices like watching portions, buying high quality, and pairing it with veggies over carbs or fatty sauces. As long as you don’t have pre-existing health issues exacerbated by shrimp, enjoying a few pieces can be beneficial and shouldn’t negatively impact your sleep quality or health. Moderation and mindfulness is key for making shrimp an ideal addition to your late night diet.