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Meal Timing and Light Exposure Linked to Heart Health in New Study

lite News Desk 2 min read

At a glance

  • Study published February 2026 by Northwestern University
  • Eating at least three hours before sleep improved heart markers
  • Participants showed better blood pressure and blood sugar control

Recent research from Northwestern University examined how the timing of meals and evening light exposure can influence heart and metabolic health in adults at risk for cardiometabolic disease.

The study, published in February 2026, focused on middle-aged and older adults who were overweight or obese. Participants were asked to stop eating at least three hours before bedtime and to dim their lights in the evening as part of the intervention.

Those in the intervention group extended their overnight fasting period to about 13 to 16 hours, while the control group maintained a fasting window of 11 to 13 hours. The intervention group also experienced a decrease in nighttime blood pressure by approximately 3.5% and a reduction in heart rate by about 5% compared to the control group.

Daytime blood sugar control improved among participants who followed the intervention, with more efficient pancreatic responses to glucose observed. The study also reported that the intervention group’s heart rate and blood pressure showed a stronger day-night rhythm, with higher values during the day and lower values at night, which is considered a pattern linked to better cardiovascular health.

What the numbers show

  • Overnight fasting increased to 13–16 hours in the intervention group
  • Nighttime blood pressure dropped by about 3.5% in the intervention group
  • Heart rate decreased by about 5% in the intervention group

The research included 39 adults aged 36 to 75, with around 80% of the intervention group being women. Nearly 90% of participants adhered to the intervention, indicating that the approach was feasible for most individuals in the study.

The findings highlight that not only the quantity and quality of food, but also the timing of eating in relation to sleep, can play a role in cardiovascular and metabolic health. This perspective aligns with the field of chrononutrition, which investigates how meal timing in sync with circadian rhythms affects overall health.

The authors of the study stated that they plan to conduct larger, multi-center trials to determine if the observed physiological improvements result in fewer cardiovascular events or cases of diabetes.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.

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