Cheese Before Bed: Stuff of Nightmares or Dream Enhancer?

We all know the old wives’ tale that eating cheese before going to bed will give you bad dreams, but is there any truth in it? Are weird cheese dreams real or just something we tell ourselves?

Well, we wanted to find out, so we asked dreams expert Joanne Jones, from Trusted Psychics, to explain why cheese could have the ability to influence your dreams, and why ‘cheese dreams’ may not just be a myth.

The link between cheese and dreams: fact or fiction?

Cheese has been a beloved staple for centuries, enjoyed worldwide in countless varieties. Our love affair even spans festivals and quirky cheese rolling competitions. From creamy Camembert to sharp Cheddar and bold blue cheeses to mild mozzarellas, 30% of Brits say cheese is their favourite food, and a further 25% claim to have experienced ‘cheese dreams’ afterwards.

There’s no doubt that cheese is delicious, but beyond its rich flavour, it contains compounds that may influence our sleep patterns and dreams.

One of the key suspects is tyramine, a naturally occurring compound in aged cheeses. Tyramine can affect neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine, which play roles in regulating mood and alertness (1).

Joanne Jones told us why experiencing strange cheese dreams may not just be a myth:

“From a mind-body perspective, the gut is often called our 'second brain,' and what we eat before bed can influence how it behaves. Cheeses rich in tryptophan (such as cheddar, mozzarella or parmesan) or tyramine (such as blue cheese, feta or camembert) can promote deeper REM sleep; the stage when dreams are at their most vivid and memorable.

“But it’s not just biology. Food carries emotional weight. The smell, the texture, even the memories tied to certain cheeses can stir something deeper as we drift off. That’s why some cheeses seem to guide us toward certain dream themes: a bit of brie might lead to something soft and comforting, while Stilton can take your cheese dreams in a more surreal direction.

“We still don’t fully understand why certain foods shape our dreams in such specific ways, but the patterns are hard to ignore. For some, cheese may act as a quiet prompt to the subconscious, stirring up feelings we’ve set aside during the day. It doesn’t just influence how we sleep, it helps shape the kinds of stories our mind chooses to dream about.”

So, do you really get bad dreams after eating cheese? Well, there have been studies and anecdotes that support the idea. In 1964, a psychiatrist observed that a patient’s nightmares disappeared (2) after cutting out their nightly cheddar snack. Closer to the present, a 2005 cheese and dreams study (3) by the British Cheese Board examined the dreams of volunteers after eating different types of cheese before bed.

Does your choice of cheese influence your dreams?

The British Cheese Board study found that blue cheese was linked to strange and ‘wacky’ dreams, whilst Cheddar inspired dreams about celebrities. Nostalgic memories were brought up by Red Leicester, Lancashire cheese produced dreams related to our work lives, and those who ate Brie experienced ‘nice’ dreams that made them smile.

We asked Joanne Jones to explain why different cheeses could trigger certain dreams and what these dreams mean.

Blue cheese dreams

“Not only does blue cheese have a strong smell and taste, it’s also rich in compounds like tyramine, which can spark more brain activity during sleep. That’s why it’s linked with weird dreams. Think surreal plots, talking animals, and situations that make absolutely no sense but somehow feel completely normal in the moment.”

Cheddar cheese dreams

“People who snack on cheddar before bed often report dreams filled with celebrities: actors, singers, influencers and other famous faces. These often act as stand-ins for qualities we admire or desire, such as their unbridled confidence, charisma, freedom, or success. They also might reflect a need to be noticed, a craving for recognition, or just a nudge from the subconscious to step into the spotlight a bit more in our waking lives.”

Red Leicester dreams

“Red Leicester has a comforting, nostalgic quality with a no-frills warmth that feels deeply familiar, so when it affects your dreams, it often takes you back in time. Think childhood homes, long-forgotten toys, school days, or family holidays. These dreams aren’t just memories, they’re emotional replays, full of mood and meaning.”

Lancashire dreams

“Lancashire cheese is practical, no-nonsense, and slightly crumbly - a bit like a long day at the office. It’s perhaps no surprise, then, that people who eat it before bed often find themselves dreaming about work. Not just vague “I’m running late” dreams, but full-fledged office dramas: emails, meetings, awkward conversations, even full-blown presentations.

“These dreams usually show up when your brain’s struggling to switch off. If work’s been particularly demanding - or if you’re carrying stress into your evenings - your subconscious may keep the lights on well after your laptop’s closed.”

Brie Dreams

“Brie is soft, mellow, and just the right side of indulgent, and for many, it’s a gateway to the cosiest kind of dreaming. People often describe dreams they have after they eat brie as warm, familiar, and strangely comforting: think cooking with someone you love, pottering in a sunny kitchen, or enjoying a moment of calm with no chaos in sight.

“Brie dreams are all about emotional ease, and they act as a gentle signal that your system is winding down well. They also often leave you waking up feeling relaxed and grounded, even if you can’t remember all the details.”

Our top 5 dream-inducing cheese recipes

If you get peckish this evening, will you reach for the cheese? Whether it’s just a little snack or you plan to prepare a full cheese board, we’ve collated some of our favourite recipes to promote better sleep and drift off to cheese dreams.

Why not combine them with our Relaxation Techniques for Sleep? Or give your bedroom a good spring clean to wake up feeling as refreshed as possible? After all, sleep could be the secret to better overall health.

Ooey-gooey grape cheese toastie with Brie & blue cheese

Ingredients

Brie, blue cheese, red seedless grapes, honey, artisan bread

Recipe

This sandwich combines creamy brie and tangy blue cheese with juicy grapes and a drizzle of honey, all melted between slices of artisan bread. Just as good for lunch as it is in the evening.

Sleep benefits

• Brie & Blue Cheese: Rich in tryptophan, an amino acid that the body uses to produce serotonin and melatonin, hormones that regulate sleep. (4)
• Grapes: Naturally contain melatonin, which can help regulate the sleep-wake cycle. (5)
• Honey: Provides a small insulin spike, allowing tryptophan to enter the brain more easily. (6)

Blue cheese and fig toast

Ingredients

Blue cheese, fresh figs, whole grain bread, honey

Recipe

Top toasted whole grain bread with slices of fresh figs and crumbled blue cheese, drizzled with honey. The perfect pre-bedtime snack.

Sleep benefits

• Blue Cheese: Contains tryptophan, promoting sleep hormone production.
• Figs: Rich in magnesium, potassium, and calcium, minerals that help regulate sleep. (7)
• Whole Grain Bread: Provides complex carbohydrates that assist in tryptophan transport.

Cheddar and spinach macaroni bake

Ingredients

Whole-grain macaroni, sharp cheddar cheese, spinach, milk, eggs, garlic, onions

Recipe

Cook whole-grain macaroni until al dente. In a saucepan, sauté chopped onions and garlic until translucent. Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk, then stir in grated cheddar cheese. Combine the cooked pasta, sautéed vegetables, and cheese mixture in a baking dish. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 25–30 minutes until the top is golden and the casserole is set. The ultimate comfort food at any time of the day.

Sleep benefits

• Cheddar Cheese: Rich in tryptophan, an amino acid that the body uses to produce serotonin and melatonin, hormones that regulate sleep.
• Spinach: High in magnesium, which helps relax muscles and nerves, promoting better sleep.
• Milk: Contains both tryptophan and calcium; calcium helps the brain use tryptophan to manufacture melatonin. (8)
• Eggs: A good source of tryptophan and melatonin, supporting sleep quality.
• Whole-Grain Pasta: Provides complex carbohydrates that help transport tryptophan to the brain, enhancing serotonin and melatonin production.

Lancashire cheese & spinach pie

Ingredients

Lancashire cheese, spinach, eggs, milk, whole-grain pastry, onions

Recipe

Sauté chopped spinach and onions until softened. In a bowl, whisk together eggs and milk, then stir in grated Lancashire cheese and the sautéed vegetables. Pour the mixture into a whole-grain pastry crust and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 35–40 minutes until set and golden. We love it hot but it works just as well served cold.

Sleep benefits

• Lancashire Cheese: Rich in tryptophan and calcium, which aid in the production of melatonin, the sleep-regulating hormone.
• Spinach: High in magnesium, promoting muscle relaxation and better sleep quality.
• Eggs: Provide tryptophan and melatonin, supporting sleep cycles.
• Whole-Grain Pastry: Offers complex carbohydrates that help transport tryptophan to the brain, enhancing serotonin and melatonin production.

Sautéed mushrooms with thyme and aged Red Leicester on homemade bread

Ingredients:

Aged Red Leicester cheese, mushrooms, thyme, white wine, homemade bread

Recipe:

Sautéed mushrooms with thyme and white wine are served atop slices of homemade bread, topped with aged Red Leicester cheese. A hearty classic.

Sleep benefits

• Aged Red Leicester: Contains higher levels of tryptophan due to the aging process.
• Mushrooms: Provide vitamin D. (9)
• Thyme: Promotes relaxation. (10)

Do you get weird dreams after eating cheese?

Do you experience the famous cheese dreams? We’d love to hear from you if so. In the meantime, if you’re looking for expert tips and advice to sleep better, check out our Sleep Hub.

We discuss everything from sleeping positions to bedding, and bedroom furniture to decor advice. Finally, explore our range of beds and mattresses and invest in your sleep today.

Sources:

1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006291X98992324
2. https://www.bbc.co.uk/future/article/20211117-does-cheese-really-give-you-vivid-dreams
3. https://www.npr.org/2005/09/16/4851485/study-eating-cheese-can-alter-your-dreams
4. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/nutrition/what-is-tryptophan
5. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/benefits-of-grapes
6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35656455/
7. https://www.uhhospitals.org/blog/articles/2022/09/the-surprising-health-benefits-of-magnesium
8. https://www.trinhall.cam.ac.uk/blogs/sleep-blog-4-food-and-sleep/
9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32156230/
10. https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-thyme