Effects of later dinner timing on subsequent metabolic function and nocturnal sleep in healthy young women
Abstract
Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of dinner timing on subsequent sleep architecture and glucose metabolism in healthy young women, using objective and integrated physiological measures in a real-life setting.
Methods: We conducted a randomized crossover trial with two dinner timing conditions: 1 h and 5 h before habitual bedtime. Each intervention lasted 6 days (Day 0 to Day 5), including a baseline day (Day 0) and 4 intervention days (Days 1-4). Dinner provided 709-740 kcal, with consistent macronutrient composition across conditions. Overnight sleep electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded on Day 0 and Day 4, and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) was conducted throughout the experimental period. An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed after waking on Day 5.
Results: Thirteen healthy young women (21.4 ± 0.6 years) participated. On Day 4, the late-dinner condition (1 h before bedtime) resulted in significantly shorter total sleep time (TST, p = 0.013) and reduced sleep efficiency (SE, p = 0.040) and significantly higher wake after sleep onset (WASO, p = 0.017), Arousal Index (p = 0.041), number of stage-shifts (p = 0.016), and Stage-Shift Index (p = 0.003). The iAUC for postprandial glucose showed a significant interaction (p = 0.042), with lower values on Days 3 and 4 than on Day 1 (p = 0.090). OGTT results showed no significant changes.
Conclusion: Dinner consumed 1 h before bedtime was associated with reduced sleep continuity and…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design.
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