Researchers have discovered that the timing of meals could play a crucial role in cardiovascular health. Contrary to traditional beliefs, a study from Mass General Brigham found that meal timing might have a more significant impact on heart health than sleep timing.
According to Frank A.J.L. Scheer, PhD, the senior author of the study and director of the Medical Chronobiology Program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, previous research has shown that misaligning behavioral cycles with the body’s internal clock can increase cardiovascular risk factors. The new study indicates that food timing could be a key target in mitigating these risks.
The study involved 20 healthy young participants who were subjected to a two-week in-patient study at the Brigham and Women’s Center for Clinical Investigation. These participants were kept in a controlled environment with no access to external cues such as windows or electronics that could influence their body clocks.
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During the study, the participants were deprived of sleep for 32 hours and then subjected to simulated night work. They were divided into groups, with one group eating during the nighttime and the other only eating during the daytime. Both groups had identical nap schedules, allowing the researchers to isolate the effects of food timing from those of the sleep schedule.
The results revealed that participants who consumed meals during both day and night experienced an increase in cardiovascular risk factors after simulated night work, while those who only ate during the daytime showed no change in risk factors, despite consuming the same amount and types of food.
The study, although small in scale, was rigorously controlled and provided valuable insights into the potential impact of food timing on cardiovascular health. The researchers emphasized the need for further long-term research to fully understand the implications of daytime versus nighttime eating.
The findings suggest that adjusting food timing could potentially improve heart health, particularly for individuals working night shifts or those with irregular sleep patterns. Additionally, the study highlights the potential benefits of avoiding nighttime eating for individuals with sleep-wake disorders and frequent travelers.
Research utilizing data from the UK Biobank has also shown a correlation between long-term night shift work and an increased risk of heart problems. The study pointed out that the risk of coronary heart disease significantly increased for individuals working night shifts, highlighting the importance of addressing food timing in reducing cardiovascular risks.