FIVE SNOOZE SABOTEURS

CHEESE

Soft cheese is fine but hard cheese, such as Cheddar, contains high levels of the amino acid tyramine, which makes the brain feel very alert.

SPICY FOODS

As well as causing indigestion for many people, chilli contains capsaicin which makes it harder for your body to regulate temperature and may result in a disturbed night.

DARK CHOCOLATE

Good quality choc can contain as much as 40% of the amount of caffeine found in a standard cup of coffee.

CELERY

Eaten in large amounts too close to bedtime, celery can be a diuretic that may leave you needing to pee during the night!

GREEN TEA

Not only is it a source of caffeine, it also contains two other stimulants – theobromine and theophylline – which can increase heart rate and trigger feelings of anxiety. Not what you want late at night.