Kim Wan-sun / Captured from Instagram
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Singer Kim Wan-sun’s late-night snack photo is drawing attention online.
Recently, Kim posted photos of herself eating ramen, kimbap and chips at a highway rest stop well past 10:30 p.m., with a question many dieters can relate to: “Why does ramen taste the best at night?” Because she is widely known for her strict self-management, fans quickly took notice.
In the past, the 1980s dancing queen revealed on a TV show that she avoids late-night eating and “tries not to eat after 6 p.m. whenever possible.” Experts note that eating late at night can affect sleep, digestion and blood sugar control. Foods like ramen, which are high in sodium and carbohydrates, may place an even greater burden on the body during nighttime hours.
Late-night eating itself can put stress on the digestive system. At night, digestive activity naturally slows compared to daytime. Eating greasy or spicy foods during these hours may increase the likelihood of heartburn and bloating. Frequently lying down immediately after eating can also trigger acid reflux symptoms. Many people report feeling too bloated to sleep comfortably.
Ramen is Koreans' favorite high-sodium foods. Excess sodium causes the body to retain water, which can lead to swelling in the face, hands and feet the next morning. Eating ramen late at night may worsen this effect because physical activity and fluid circulation are reduced during sleep. Adding carbohydrate-heavy foods like kimbap or chips can also cause larger blood sugar fluctuations. This is one reason many celebrities avoid late-night snacks before filming.
Consuming too many carbohydrates late at night may also disrupt sleep patterns. Blood sugar levels can spike after eating and then drop again during the night, leading to hunger or thirst in the early morning hours. Spicy and salty foods can especially increase thirst while sleeping.
Some studies suggest that overeating right before bed may interfere with deep sleep. In other words, late-night eating may affect not only weight gain but also fatigue and overall condition the next day.
Experts say that rather than banning late-night snacks completely, it is more realistic to manage timing and portion size.
Source: Korea Times News
