Caffeine stimulates the nervous system, increases blood pressure and revs up the metabolism. You should avoid caffeine-containing stimulants such as coffee and cola before going to bed.

1. Liquorice

Liquorice contains glycyrrhizin, a medicinally effective plant substance. This influences the water and salt balance and can therefore increase blood pressure. This can cause restlessness and problems falling asleep.

2. Raw vegetables and salad

Vegetables can also prevent us from falling asleep. The digestive tract has to put a lot of effort into breaking down raw vegetables, salads and acidic dressings. During the processing phase, it runs at full speed and cannot calm down in the actual deep sleep phase.

3. Chocolate

Chocolate contains the phytochemical theobromine. This has a similar stimulating effect on the body as caffeine. Heidrun Schubert says: “Even if it has more positive ingredients than the whole milk version, you should avoid dark chocolate in the evening. Because the higher the cocoa content, the higher the theobromine content.”

4. Chili and ginger

Spicy dishes are often seasoned with chili. The pod contains the substance capsaicin, which causes extreme spiciness.

The expert explains: “The spiciness gets the metabolism going. It causes the body temperature to rise and keeps the body awake. This also applies to the ginger bulb.”

5. Certain types of tea

Like coffee, black tea contains caffeine, which prevents us from falling asleep. But other types of tea can also keep us awake: The first picking of green tea in particular contains a lot of caffeine. Even though this is often considered to be the best in terms of taste, you should avoid it in the evening.

This means the body can start metabolizing it in good time. When he sleeps he calms down and no longer has to do any extra work.” With this method, many people are said to be able to sleep significantly better.