Brushing your teeth is an essential part of your bedtime routine, but the same properties that give peppermint toothpaste its minty freshness can also cause you to feel more alert and focused — and it could be a culprit for disrupting your sleep.

Can toothpaste keep you awake?

While we don't recommend you stop brushing your teeth before bed, you might want to avoid toothpastes and mouthwashes that contain peppermint and cinnamon, or try brushing an hour or two before bed. These ingredients can have a stimulating effect and increase your alertness.

Can toothpaste make you tired?

Using Minty Toothpaste

But if you use a toothpaste that's very minty, this could be contributing to your sleep issues, Burhenne says. This is an oral stimulant, which can wake up your brain a bit and cause you to either have a hard time falling asleep or lead to waking up in the middle of the night.