![A close-up of toothpaste on a blue toothbrush](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Dn2inVWxtUwknVYvbycP7X-415-80.jpg)
Having trouble falling asleep at night? Your toothpaste could be to blame.
We spend a third of our lives in bed, so it’s important that your sleep set-up is comfortable, supportive and tailored to your sleep needs. But even if you have the best mattress for the job, there are still a few external factors that can affect your sleep, from loud noises to your partners’ snoring.
One thing that could be disrupting your sleep is actually located in your bathroom… your toothpaste. Brushing your teeth with a manual or the best electric toothbrush is an important part of your morning and evening routine, to keep your teeth, gums and mouth fresh and hygienic… but if you’re using the wrong flavour of toothpaste, it could be keeping you awake.
The toothpaste that can disrupt your night’s rest is arguably the most popular flavour you can buy: peppermint.Peppermint can negatively impact your body’s ability to fall asleep as it acts as a stimulant that keeps you alert and works to improve your memory and responsiveness.
According to Dr Chris Winter for Sleep.com, peppermint “can have adverse effects on your sleep, as it is known to increase dopamine. When released in the brain, dopamine promotes wakefulness and alertness… the total opposite of your intention before bed and a disruptor of your wind-down routine.”
As the minty flavours of your toothpaste stimulates the brain, you might find it harder to get to sleep, especially if you’ve just brushed your teeth right before bed. Peppermint almost acts in a similar way to blue light, which is a high-energy visible light which is emitted by mobile phones and TVs.
Many experts recommend avoiding your phone before bed, as blue light from your device easily passes through your eye to indicate to the brain that it’s time to be awake. The strong flavour and scent of peppermint toothpaste does a similar thing, so if you’re finding it hard to fall asleep, it could be time to switch up your toothpaste.
Upgrade to smarter living
Get the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products straight to your inbox.
To avoid disrupting your sleep, experts suggest brushing your teeth an hour or more before going to bed, to allow the strong peppermint flavour to dissipate so it doesn’t keep you awake. Alternatively, you could switch to a different flavour toothpaste that’s more relaxing and calm-inducing, like ginger, cinnamon or lavender.
For more sleep tips, check out the 7 best teas to drink before bed for better sleep and less anxiety.
Beth is Home Editor for T3, looking after style, living and wellness. From the comfiest mattresses to what strange things you can cook in an air fryer, Beth covers sleep, yoga, smart home, coffee machines, grooming tools, fragrances, gardening and much more. If it's something that goes in your house, chances are Beth knows about it and has the latest reviews and recommendations! She's also in the know about the latest deals and discount codes from top brands and retailers.
Having always been passionate about writing, she’s written for websites, newspapers and magazines on a variety of topics, from jewellery and culture, to food and telecoms. You can find her work across numerous sites, including Wedding Ideas Magazine, Health & Wellbeing, The Bristol Post, Fashion & Style Directory, TechRadar, CreativeBloq and more. In her spare time, Beth enjoys running, reading, baking and attempting craft projects that will probably end in disaster!
-
iRobot launches its most advanced robot vacuum cleaner yet with Matter support
iRobot debuts its new robot vacuum cleaner and mop with first-ever multifunction docking station
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
Apple Maps is now available online – here's how to access it
You can finally use Apple Maps on a web browser
By Sam Cross Published
-
Momcozy Sunrise Wake-up Light review: a 4-in-1 device that promotes a restful night's sleep
It functions as an alarm clock, sound machine, wake-up light and seven-colour night light
By Lizzie Wilmot Published
-
Oura experts reveal women sleep better than men – but there’s one exception
Why women’s sleep changes during their cycle, and how to sleep better on your period
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
Survey finds the majority of Brits are angry from tiredness – here’s how to fix it
‘Tangry’ is the new ‘Hangry’, according to new sleep survey
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
Londoners are the worst sleepers in the UK, reveals Oura experts
Oura study reveals Brits have surprisingly good sleep habits but there’s room for improvement
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
Lovehoney launches its most discreet and travel-friendly sex toy yet
Lovehoney unveils new vibrator that can discreetly come with you on your next holiday
By Emily Cox Published
-
Eve Wunderflip Premium Hybrid mattress review: the best of both worlds?
Eve's new mattress has a firmer side and a softer side, and I've tested them both to see if either of them is just right
By Jim McCauley Published
-
Fourth of July mattress deal saves you $500 on the Amerisleep AS2 mattress
Get 33% off the Amerisleep AS2 mattress in the Fourth of July deals
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
Get nearly $700 off the mega-popular DreamCloud mattress this 4th of July
Buyers will also receive a bedding bundle for $149 (RRP $599)
By Lizzie Wilmot Published