Late-night snacking is bad for you. It confuses your body because you’re eating when you should be sleeping. As a result, your body’s not prepared to handle the calories you’re sending its way.
More specifically, the genes that metabolize food efficiently during the day don’t work well at night. They think they’re off duty. That means late-night snacking could lead to metabolic imbalances and weight gain.
But there’s more to the story than just that.
Your internal body clock is so unique and has such far-reaching powers in your body that one infraction against its set timing can throw a whole bunch of seemingly unrelated bodily functions out of whack.
Take, for example, that bedtime bowl of ice cream’s potential effect on your skin.
Late-Night Snacking Screws With Your Skin’s Sun Protection
During the day, your skin produces an enzyme that keeps damage from UV rays down. But the latest research from O’Donnell Brain Institute and the University of California-Irvine suggests eating at night could hamper your skin’s ability to produce that enzyme.
More Perils Of Late-Night Snacking
Weight gain
Eating too many calories too often can lead to weight gain. One study found that people who ate 100 calories or more within two hours of bedtime were 80% more likely to be overweight or obese.
Digestive issues
Eating late at night can cause gastrointestinal discomfort like indigestion, heartburn, and acid reflux. This can be especially problematic for people who already have acid reflux, as they may wake up at night with uncomfortable symptoms.
Poor sleep
Eating before bed can make it harder to fall asleep. When you go to bed, your brain releases melatonin, which tells your pancreas to stop releasing insulin. Eating late can prevent your pancreas from doing this, keeping your blood sugar levels elevated.
Increased risk of chronic disease
Eating late at night is associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases like obesity and heart disease. A 2023 study found that people who snacked after 9 PM had higher levels of HbA1c, a marker for diabetes risk.
Negative impact on mental health
Ultra-processed snacks can make you feel guilty, depressed, or ashamed, which can affect your ability to function at school or work.
However, some snacks can help you sleep. For example, pistachios contain melatonin, which can help you fall asleep. Turkey can also help you relax, as they contain tryptophan, making you feel drowsy.
If you decide to eat late at night, experts recommend eating up to two hours before bedtime and choosing something light, and easily digestible.
To learn more about what to eat and the correct time to eat, get a FREE Consultation with one of our doctors (D.C) here.
