Association Between Chrononutrition Patterns and Multidimensional Sleep Health

Abstract

Background/objectives: Sleep health has been associated with diet quality, but the relationship between chrononutrition patterns and multidimensional sleep health is unclear. This study identifies chrononutrition patterns among U.S. adults and examines their associations with multidimensional sleep health.

Methods: This cross-sectional analysis used data from the 2017-2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Chrononutrition behaviors were assessed using two 24 h dietary recalls. Latent profile analysis was used to identify chrononutrition profiles. Multivariable survey regression models determined the associations between chrononutrition patterns and sleep health dimensions.

Results: The sample included 5228 subjects with a median age of 49 years. Of the sample, 52% of the participants were female, and 65% were White. In adjusted models, each additional hour between wake time and first instance of eating was associated with a 19% increase in the odds of poor timing (sleep midpoint < 2:00 a.m. or >4:00 a.m.; 95% CI: 1.07-1.33) and a 21% increase in poor duration (<7 or >9 h/night; 95% CI: 1.09-1.33). Each additional hour between last eating and bedtime was associated with 9% higher odds of poor duration (95% CI: 1.03-1.16). A one-hour longer eating window was associated with 10% lower odds of poor timing (95% CI: 0.84-0.98). We identified five chrononutrition profiles: Typical Eating (reference), Early Finished Eating, Later Heavy Eating, Extended Window Eating, and Restricted Window Eating. The Later Heavy Eating profile exhibited 96% higher odds of poor timing (95% CI: 1.09-3.51) and the Restricted Window Eating profile had 94% higher odds of poor duration (95% CI: 1.10-3.43).

Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of unique chrononutrition patterns in relation to multidimensional sleep health. We provide a framework for future studies to identify personalized chrononutrition interventions and their role in improving sleep health.

Keywords: chrononutrition; circadian rhythm; eating; meal timing; sleep.

Figure 1

Associations between chrononutrition profiles and sleep health. Reference is Typical Eating Profile. Adjusted for age, race, education, total daily calories, income, marital status, depression, healthy eating index, alcohol use, caffeine, and physical activity.

Figure 2

Associations between chrononutrition behaviors and sleep health. Adjusted for age, race, education, total daily calories, income, marital status, depression, healthy eating index, alcohol use, caffeine, and physical activity.