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Chronobiological perspectives: Association between meal timing and sleep quality
Li-Ming Yan1, Hai-Jun Li2, Qi Fan2
1Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Yan'an University, Yan'an, Shaanxi, China.
Plos One
|August 1, 2024
Summary
Late meal timing and frequent eating occasions are linked to poorer sleep quality. This study highlights chrono-nutrition
Area of Science:
- Chronobiology
- Nutritional Science
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- Meal timing influences metabolism and cardiovascular health.
- The link between meal timing and sleep quality requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the relationship between meal timing and sleep quality using a chronobiological approach.
- Investigate how the timing and frequency of meals impact sleep quality.
Main Methods:
- Utilized NHANES data (2005-2008) from 7,023 participants.
- Assessed sleep quality via Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).
- Analyzed meal timing (initial, midpoint, final, duration, frequency) from 24-hour dietary recalls.
Main Results:
- Delayed meal timings (initial, midpoint, final) correlated positively with higher PSQI scores.
- Increased meal occasions were significantly associated with poorer sleep quality.
- Adjusted models showed significant links between late meal patterns and diminished sleep.
Conclusions:
- Late initial, midpoint, and final meal timings are associated with poor sleep quality.
- More frequent meal occasions are also linked to reduced sleep quality.
- These findings underscore the importance of chrono-nutrition for sleep health.
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