Is Eating Shrimp Late at Night Really That Bad For You?

Seafood is often a good choice for a meal because it has healthy omega-3 fatty acids, lean protein, and other things. But if you’re looking for the best fish for a good night’s sleep, you may have also wondered if anything else is almost as good for you as sleep. Sleep is as necessary for life as air, food, and water. If other options aren’t working for you, try some of the best fish to help you sleep. Also below, learn more about the importance of sleep and how much is recommended nightly.

Shrimp can be a super tasty and convenient go-to food any time of day. But when it comes to eating it at night, some people worry that it may disrupt sleep, cause indigestion, or have other adverse effects. So should you avoid shrimp as a late night snack? Or is it perfectly fine to enjoy some succulent shrimp right before bed? Let’s take a balanced look at the evidence.

Potential Drawbacks of Nighttime Shrimp

There are a few legitimate reasons why shrimp before bed may potentially cause issues:

High cholesterol – Shrimp does contain a higher amount of cholesterol than many other protein sources, with about 160 mg per 3-ounce serving Eating foods high in cholesterol right before sleep when your metabolism has slowed could lead to digestive issues like indigestion, heartburn, and stomach pain during the night
Heavy protein – With around 20 grams of protein per 3 ounces, shrimp is very protein-dense. Large amounts of protein can be harder to fully break down when your body is relaxed and trying to rest. This may result in some intestinal discomfort.
Allergies – Shellfish allergies are common, and eating shrimp at night when you’ll likely have a reaction could be problematic if it causes throat swelling or other serious symptoms.
High sodium – Shrimp tends to be pretty high in sodium (200+ mg per serving), which can potentially lead to dehydration and increased thirst if consumed close to bedtime.

So in certain scenarios, like eating a lot of shrimp fried in oil right before bed, it may be prudent to scale back or avoid it altogether.

Health Benefits of Nighttime Shrimp

However, shrimp eaten in moderation at night likely won’t cause harm and may even offer some bonuses:

Tryptophan – Shrimp contains small amounts of the amino acid tryptophan, which can enhance serotonin production and prepare your body for sleep.
Protein for muscle recovery – Moderate protein intake before bed may help rebuild and repair muscles overnight. Shrimp provides high-quality protein to aid this process.
Magnesium – This mineral in shrimp helps relax muscles and nerves, priming you for deeper sleep. Most people don’t get enough magnesium, so shrimp can help fill this nutrient gap.
Vitamin B12 – Shrimp is high in vitamin B12, which could give you an energy boost the next morning and help regulate circadian rhythms

As long as you don’t have an existing shellfish allergy and don’t overdo portions, shrimp before bed can provide valuable nutrients without disrupting sleep quality or health.

Tips for Minimizing Nighttime Shrimp Drawbacks

If you want to enjoy shrimp as an evening snack or meal, here are some tips to avoid potential downsides:

Stick to a 3-4 medium shrimp portion instead of consuming a huge serving. Moderation is key.
Opt for boiled, grilled, or broiled shrimp instead of heavy breading and frying.
Pair it with easy to digest vegetables like leafy greens instead of fatty sides.
Stay hydrated by sipping water after eating to prevent sodium-related thirst.
Finish eating at least 2 hours before laying down to allow for digestion.
Take antacids beforehand if you already deal with nighttime heartburn.
Avoid alcohol which could worsen indigestion.

By following these guidelines, you can make mindful choices to prevent shrimp from disrupting your sleep or health at night.

Healthier Nighttime Seafood Alternatives

If you want to err on the side caution, here are some light seafood options that make smart alternatives to shrimp before bed:

Oily fish like salmon and tuna provide sleep-enhancing vitamin D and tryptophan.
Clams, mussels, and oysters are lower in cholesterol than shrimp.
Whitefish like cod and tilapia are easily digested.
Canned fish like sardines offer protein in a lighter package.
Seaweed snacks provide minerals without heavy protein.
Smoked salmon gives protein without being overly rich or fatty.

Seafood can be a great choice at night as long as you choose wisely based on your own health status and needs.

The Bottom Line

At moderate portions, shrimp before bed is unlikely to cause major digestive issues, sleep disruption, or other problems for most people. While it is relatively high in cholesterol, the cholesterol is not absorbed as easily from shrimp. However, those with shellfish allergies or existing nighttime heartburn or reflux should use caution and opt for lower-fat seafood alternatives at night.

As with any food, pay attention to how your own body responds. If you feel fine after eating a few shrimp in the evening, then there’s no need to avoid it. But if it consistently causes discomfort or restless sleep, then save it for daytime meals instead. With mindful choices, shrimp can be enjoyed safely at night by most people.

is it bad to eat shrimp late at night

How Does Seafood Help with Sleep?

If you enjoy turkey, you probably know all about tryptophan. It’s the reason even staunch football enthusiasts are often found snoozing during big Thanksgiving Day games. Turkey contains tryptophan, which is utilized by our bodies to stimulate the production of melatonin and serotonin.

Melatonin helps with sleep and the timing of your internal clock. A hormone in our bodies, melatonin is produced by our brains in response to darkness. When you eat fish, daylight or dark, your body responds by producing melatonin, a natural sleep aid.

Serotonin works with dopamine, another neurotransmitter, to help with the quality of your sleep. Specifically, how soundly and how long you sleep is largely determined by serotonin. Serotonin is a requirement of the brain to produce melatonin. So, it is a significant contributor to sleep. The scoop is that seafood contains tryptophan. More information follows about the best fish for a good night’s sleep.

How Essential is a Good Night’s Sleep?

It is important to get a good night’s sleep every night if you want to be mentally and physically healthy. The amount of sleep you get affects your overall well-being every day. Sleep affects your brain function, mood, alertness, energy level, and the very molecules in your body.

Being tired from not getting enough sleep makes people less productive at work and makes them more likely to get into a car accident. Over time, a deficit of sleep can even result in a form of depression. Don’t take a chance of upsetting job security or suffering other ill effects of lack of sleep.

Make sure you get the rest you need, per the following from the CDC:

Teenagers between the ages of 13 and 18 need 8 to 10 hours of sleep every night.
Adults between the ages of 18 and 60 need at least 7 hours of sleep every night.
61 to 64-year-old adults need 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night.
People aged 76 and up need 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night.

Figure out the best fish for a good night’s sleep that works for you and get your sleep on! (For information on sleep requirements for younger ages, check out the CDC website’s sleep data.)

Meal Timing | Is It Bad To Eat Late At Night?

FAQ

Is it OK to eat shrimp before bed?

Seafood, including shrimp, lobster, crab, clams, octopus, and seaweed, are some of the best foods to eat before bed. That’s because they’re high in tryptophan, an essential amino acid that our bodies don’t produce on their own.

Is it good to eat seafood late at night?

When you eat fish, daylight or dark, your body responds by producing melatonin, a natural sleep aid. Serotonin works with dopamine, another neurotransmitter, to help with the quality of your sleep. Specifically, how soundly and how long you sleep is largely determined by serotonin.

When should you not eat shrimp?

Many take this advice to heart, and never buy or eat seafood in the months between May and August. There are some who say a meal including more than one type of seafood ought to be reserved for the fall and Christmas, or that it should at least be restricted to months with an R (from September to April).

Can you eat too much shrimp?

It’s possible to eat too much of any food, so yes, you can eat too much shrimp. The Dietary Guidelines recommend eating about 8 oz of fish/seafood per week, which is the equivalent of about 2 or 3 palm-sized servings. And shrimp can be an excellent part of that. Should I be concerned about antibiotics in shrimp? There may be cause for concern.

What are the side effects of eating shrimp?

Shrimp allergy can be identified from signs and symptoms that appear after consuming shrimp or smelling it, such as itching, the appearance of red plaques on the skin, swelling in the face, especially in the eyes and mouth, and in the throat creating the feeling of a lump in the throat.

Is shrimp bad for You?

For folks without these conditions, shrimp and othershellfish can be included in a heart-healthy eating plan along with other lean animal and plant proteins, per the December 2019 Circulation report. Experts explain if shrimp is bad for you, considering its cholesterol and sustainability concerns.

Can you eat wild caught shrimp?

Quick to cook, shrimp can be baked, broiled, or grilled. They’re great atop salad, in stir-fries, or served with pasta or rice. Both wild-caught and farmed shrimp are available in the U.S., and there are advantages and disadvantages to each. Some farmed shrimp may contain traces of antibiotics.