Believe it or not, an inconsistent mealtime schedule really can affect the quality of your sleep. This is because both your appetite and metabolism influence your circadian rhythm. Your body’s circadian rhythm is a natural 24-hour cycle. It regulates many functions in the body, including sleep. Light and darkness affect our sleep and wake cycles, but the time we eat our meals affects them too. In fact, your body’s food clock and sleep clock are closely linked.

A recent poll sponsored by The National Sleep Foundation showed that having consistent mealtimes is significantly linked to healthier sleep. People reported that eating their meals at the same time every day helped them sleep better and longer. Another positive effect of a consistent meal schedule found in the poll was lower stress levels. Those who ate their meals at the same time each day were more likely to report that they had a lower stress level. Reducing stress is known to have a positive effect on a person’s sleep.

Try making some simple changes in your eating habits to help improve the quality of your sleep. First, make sure you eat breakfast at the same time each day. This helps your body know that it’s time to wake up and be active. Be aware that eating heavy meals at night can disrupt your sleep. This is because a heavy meal signals your body to be in “awake mode” instead of “sleep mode.” To help your body ease into a good night’s sleep, it’s best to eat dinner at least two or three hours before bedtime. You should also stay away from late-night snacks which can make it harder for you to sleep.

Enjoying a better night’s sleep starts with a healthy daily routine. And that includes both eating and sleeping on a regular schedule. Give it a try – everyone enjoys their day more if they get a good night’s sleep!