Science says midnight snacking is good for you

You've been bred to think your 12:30am Doritos binge is a habit more shameful than eating cereal with a fork. But according to dieticians, you're just being mindful of your REM cycle. A crucial report from Time reveals that a late-night snack can help you sleep more soundly, leaving you more refreshed the next morning than your peers who skipped the midnight fridge raid.

Dieticians Stephanie Maxson and Cassie Bjork (no relation to the Icelandic fever dream) agree that many people need to stabilize their blood sugar levels with a snack before bed. Namely, anyone who eats dinner solid hours before bedtime or is very active throughout the day. Of course, the catch is you can't eat just anything. Science still isn't sanctioning Ben & Jerry's or Oreos for your pre-sleep snack, but you do have some good alternatives, including peanut butter and popcorn (with the movie theater butter). Which means eating PB out of the jar as you doze off to SVU was a responsible decision all along. Munch would be so proud.

Kristin Hunt is a food/drink staff writer for Thrillist, and is glad to know science supports her habits. Follow her at @kristin_hunt.