The Impact of Night Time Eating on Shift Workers' Health

Eating during the night can have a different effect on the body compared to eating during the day, especially for shift workers. The digestive system functions differently at night, with slower gastric emptying, reduced blood flow, and decreased insulin sensitivity. This can contribute to weight gain, health issues like diabetes, and increased fatigue. To mitigate these effects, experts recommend having a main meal during the shift, no later than 9 p.m., followed by a light snack around midnight, and then practicing a circadian fast from midnight to 6 a.m. These eating guidelines aim to align eating patterns with the body's natural rhythms and optimize metabolic health.