Association of Meal Timing with sleep Quality and Anxiety According to Chronotype: A Study of University Students

This study analyzed how meal timing and chronotype (morningness vs. eveningness) relate to sleep quality and anxiety among university students. Evening chronotypes with late dinner times (after 8 PM) exhibited higher anxiety levels than morning types, regardless of when they ate. However, no clear link was found between meal timing and sleep quality. Later bedtimes and poor sleep quality correlated with greater anxiety, highlighting how chronotype and meal timing influence mental health. These findings suggest the importance of meal timing and chronotype alignment for reducing anxiety and improving well-being.

If you're an evening chronotype, consider shifting your dinner to earlier than 8 PM to help reduce anxiety. Pair this with consistent sleep and meal routines to better align with your circadian rhythm. Morning types should maintain early schedules to support better mental health. While this study identifies correlations, personalized adjustments based on individual habits and health conditions are essential for maximizing benefits.