A pilot study has found people might sleep better if they regularly eat chili. Researchers at the University of Tasmania have spent the past 18 months studying the potential health benefits of chili and its effects on sleep and diet.

Participants in the study were given 15 grams of chili each day, while others did not have any. The results were compared to see what effect it had on their health and well-being.

Researchers found that chili consumption may improve sleep, which influences cardiovascular health. It also appeared to have very small effects on insulin and glucose levels. There was also evidence that those who ate chili were able to fall asleep more easily.

Those on the spicy diet, also recorded fewer movements during sleep and tended not to sleep quite as long, yet they had more energy during the day. The study was too small to draw any definitive judgments about the effect of chili on sleep, but scientists hope to continue the research using more volunteers.

One Australian cardiologist advises people to include chili in their diets because it helps promote healthy metabolism and weight loss.