Tags: eating habits | sleep problems | calories
OPINION

Late-Night Snacking Dulls Mental Focus

Dr. Small By Friday, 02 October 2015 04:54 PM EDT Current | Bio | Archive

Investigators from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania recently presented new findings showing that when people eat less late at night, their ability to concentrate and maintain mental focus is not as disturbed by restricted sleep.

The scientists reported that 500 extra calories consumed late in the evening can have significant mental effects when people are sleep-deprived. Volunteers were given unlimited access to food and drink during the day but were allowed to sleep only four hours each night for three consecutive nights.

On the fourth night, some of the participants had access to food and drinks, while others were provided only water from 10 p.m. until they went to sleep at 4 a.m.

Cognitive tests performed on the fourth night at 2 a.m. showed that subjects who fasted performed better than those who had eaten during late-night hours.

These results are consistent with other work showing negative effects of late-night snacking. A 2013 investigation from the same group indicated that people with chronic sleep problems are more vulnerable to weight gain caused by greater calorie consumption late at night.


© 2024 NewsmaxHealth. All rights reserved.


Dr-Small
Cognitive tests performed on the fourth night at 2 a.m. showed that subjects who fasted performed better than those who had eaten during late-night hours.
eating habits, sleep problems, calories
184
2015-54-02
Friday, 02 October 2015 04:54 PM
Newsmax Media, Inc.

Sign up for Newsmax’s Daily Newsletter

Receive breaking news and original analysis - sent right to your inbox.

(Optional for Local News)
Privacy: We never share your email address.
Join the Newsmax Community
Read and Post Comments
Please review Community Guidelines before posting a comment.
 
Find Your Condition
Get Newsmax Text Alerts
TOP

The information presented on this website is not intended as specific medical advice and is not a substitute for professional medical treatment or diagnosis. Read Newsmax Terms and Conditions of Service.

Newsmax, Moneynews, Newsmax Health, and Independent. American. are registered trademarks of Newsmax Media, Inc. Newsmax TV, and Newsmax World are trademarks of Newsmax Media, Inc.

NEWSMAX.COM
© Newsmax Media, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
NEWSMAX.COM
© Newsmax Media, Inc.
All Rights Reserved