The Doctor's Kitchen Podcast #307 How to Eat for Night Shifts and the Science of Shifting Your Body Clock to Support Your Health
Jul 23, 2025
Discover how your internal body clock affects everything from mood to digestion. Explore the impact of modern life on circadian rhythms, including artificial light and inconsistent sleep. Uncover practical tips for night shift workers on meal timing, sleep scheduling, and hydration. Learn about nutrition strategies that can enhance energy and mental clarity, even during chaotic weeks. Shift your approach to work and wellness by aligning with your biology, not against it!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Shift Work Disrupts Body Clock
- Shift work disrupts the body's circadian rhythm, causing increased health risks like diabetes and heart disease.
- The mismatch between the brain's master clock and peripheral clocks stresses the body and impairs metabolic and hormonal functions.
Artificial Light Disrupts Metabolism
- Exposure to bright artificial light at night reduces the body's ability to burn fat during sleep.
- This impairs metabolic flexibility and may increase risk of weight gain and diabetes.
Phase Shift to Adapt Sleep
- Phase shift your sleep, light exposure, and meal timing gradually over days before night shifts.
- Use light cues and consistent routines to help your body adapt partially to night shifts.