Poor cardiometabolic health increases the risk of, among other conditions, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
In recent years, many people have experimented with time-restricted eating to reduce this risk.
However, research has primarily focused on how long people fast, and less on when they eat in relation to sleep.
The new study specifically examines the link between meals and the body’s circadian rhythm.
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Better numbers at night
The study has been published in the journal Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology.
The researchers found that participants had lower blood pressure at night when they stopped eating at least three hours before bedtime.
Blood pressure decreased by 3.5 percent, and heart rate was 5 percent lower. At the same time, blood sugar levels were better regulated throughout the day.
According to researcher Daniela Grimaldi from Northwestern University, it may be important to align the fasting period with the body’s natural sleep rhythm.
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Small trial
The study lasted 7.5 weeks and included 39 overweight individuals aged between 36 and 75. The participants were divided into two groups with different nightly fasting durations.
One group fasted for 13 to 16 hours and stopped eating at least three hours before bedtime. They did not consume fewer calories than usual. About 80 percent of this group were women.
The researchers believe the method may be a simple way to improve heart health.
At the same time, the size and duration of the study underline the need for larger studies.
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Sources: Science Daily, and Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology.
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