Does Cheese Really Give You Nightmares? The Science Behind Bad dreams & Bedtime Snacks
Published July 1, 2025 – world-today-news.com
for generations, the idea that a late-night cheese snack could lead to a night of terrifying dreams has been dismissed as an old wives’ tale. But could there be a kernel of truth to this long-held belief? Recent research suggests the answer is… complicated.
The Lactose Intolerance Link
While a direct causal link between cheese and nightmares isn’t definitively proven,a growing body of evidence points to a connection,especially for those with lactose intolerance.A study by Canadian scientists found that “nightmares are robustly associated with lactose intolerance” [[3]]. The theory is that digestive discomfort and gut issues caused by lactose consumption can disrupt sleep and trigger bizarre or disturbing dreams [[3]].This isn’t limited to dairy, either. Individuals with other food intolerances, like gluten, may experience similar effects, suggesting that dietary choices – notably those made close to bedtime – could play a role in dream content .
A History of Cheesy Nightmares
The idea of cheese-induced bad dreams isn’t new. Researchers even referenced
