Eating Onions at Night: What Doctors Say About Sleep and Digestion

Nutritionists suggest that daytime or early evening is the ideal time to enjoy onions. This allows your body to digest them properly while still benefiting from their heart-protective and anti-inflammatory properties.

If you include onions with dinner:

Keep portions moderate

Choose cooked versions

Avoid eating them within 2–3 hours of bedtime

The Bottom Line

Doctors agree that onions are healthy—but eating them at night can affect sleep differently from person to person. For some, they may trigger reflux and restlessness. For others, especially when cooked, onions may have little to no negative effect—or may even support relaxation.

 

The key is listening to your body. If onions consistently disrupt your sleep, move them to lunchtime. If you tolerate them well, there’s no need to eliminate them entirely.

As with many foods, timing and preparation matter just as much as nutrition.