A bad night’s sleep can increase the risk of obesity, heart disease and diabetes, as well as damaging the immune system and having a negative effect on mental health.

But cutting out certain foods before bed could help you drift off quicker and get all the shut-eye your body needs.

1. Chocolate

With all the left-over Easter Eggs lying around it’s easier than ever to have a nibble before bed.

However, the amount of caffeine in the tasty treat means you’ll be tossing and turning all night.

2. Sugary Cereals

The amount of sugar in your late-night bowl of cereal will increase your blood sugar levels while you sleep.

This means you’ll be waking up in the middle of a sugar crash.

Stick to eating cereal once you wake up from your slumber.

3. White Bread

Full of processed sugar, a quick slice of toast before you sleep means you’ll be feeling full of energy. Brown bread, however, is safer.

4. Spicy Food

Spices increase blood flow and heighten your body temperature when you really should be cooling down before you head to bed.

5. Celery

It’s well-known that the vegetable is full of water, which could mean you’re spending more time in the bathroom than the bedroom.

6. Peppermint

Peppermint is a heartburn trigger, so as tempting as it can be to make the most of the post-meal mints, for the sake of your sleep consider saying no.

7. Cheese

There is a chemical in cheese which causes your brain to work harder than it should, meaning it’s making it harder for you to turn off and catch some shut-eye.

8. Pasta

A bowl full of carbohydrates activates the body’s energy storage system.

The source of slow-release energy means you’ll be feeling sprightly, making it harder to sleep

9. Dried Fruit

High in both fibre and natural sugar, this popular snack is bad news for your sleep.

Fibre will put pressure on your digestive system, while sugar is a big no-no.