For various reasons, many people eat their meals right before going to bed. However, even late-night snacks can lead to several symptoms, not just a full stomach over time. Numerous studies indicate that eating immediately before sleeping can result in several side effects, including weight gain and impaired work performance, according to a report from the health nutrition site "Eat This."
#### Reduced Fat Burning
A study published in 2020 in "PLOS Biology" found that among a group of six individuals over age fifty, those who had a late-night meal burned less fat during sleep compared to those who ate their last meal earlier in the day. This was despite both groups having equivalent calorie intake and activity levels. Therefore, if a person is keen on losing weight and reducing body fat, they may want to eliminate late-night snacks immediately.
#### Weight Gain
A study published in 2020 in the journal "Endocrinology & Metabolism" found that individuals who had dinner at 10 PM instead of 6 PM were more likely to experience glucose intolerance and a reduced rate of fat oxidation, which may increase the risks of obesity and metabolic syndrome.
#### Metabolic Syndrome
The risk of metabolic syndrome (a cluster of conditions including excess abdominal fat), high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and elevated cholesterol or triglyceride levels may increase if one eats right before sleeping. This can make individuals more susceptible to type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. According to a study published in 2018 in "BMC Public Health," among a group of 8,153 adults aged 40 to 54, women who ate dinner close to bedtime or had snacks after dinner were more at risk of developing metabolic syndrome than those who did not.
The same study also found that men and women who ate at night were more likely to experience dyslipidemia, a condition characterized by higher than normal cholesterol or triglyceride levels, or both.
#### Discomfort During Sleep
Late-night meals and morning fatigue might be more interconnected than people think. A study published in 2011 in the "Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine" showed that among a group of 52 adults, those who ate close to bedtime were more likely to experience sleep disturbances compared to those who allowed sufficient time between their last meal and sleep. This included taking longer to fall asleep and suffering from reduced rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.
#### Decreased Productivity Quality
The impact of late-night snacks is not limited to weight alone. A study published in 2021 in the journal "Applied Psychology" revealed that individuals who ate unhealthy food at night were more likely to experience physical issues, including headaches and diarrhea the next day, and were less productive and more withdrawn from work the following day.
