Eating in sync with the biological rhythm could prevent cardiovascular diseases. Researchers from Mass General Brigham have discovered that when we eat is just as important as what we eat, especially for those who work night shifts, according to Nature Communications.
The Time We Eat is Much More Important for Heart Health
The study suggests that limiting meals to daytime hours could significantly reduce health risks associated with circadian rhythm disruption. This finding could have important implications for millions of people who work shifts.
Previous research has shown that working night shifts increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. However, the new study indicates a possible solution: consuming food only during the day.
The study involved 20 young and healthy participants, subjected to a clinical protocol for two weeks under strictly controlled conditions. They had no access to windows, clocks, or electronic devices.
Participants were divided into two groups after an initial 32-hour period of continuous wakefulness:
- One group that ate both during the day and at night
- One group that ate exclusively during the day
Both groups had the same sleep schedule, allowing researchers to isolate the effect of meal timing.
Study Results
Researchers analyzed several cardiovascular risk markers:
- Autonomic nervous system activity
- Levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1)
- Blood pressure
The results showed an increase in these markers only in the group that ate both during the day and at night. The group that ate exclusively during the day did not show significant changes.
Sarah Chellappa, the lead author of the study and a professor at the University of Southampton, stated: “We controlled for every factor that could influence the results, so we can say that the effects are caused by the timing of the meals.”
Limitations and Strengths
The study has some limitations, including:
- Small sample size of participants
- Relatively short duration of two weeks
Despite these limitations, the study stands out due to the strict control of variables, including:
- Sleep schedule
- Composition and quantity of food
- Light exposure
- Body position
- Physical activity level
The results of this study could have significant implications for:
- Night shift workers
- People with insomnia or sleep disorders
- Those with irregular sleep schedules
- Frequent travelers across time zones
Avoiding meals at night could provide a simple and effective strategy for reducing cardiovascular risk in these groups.
