Are you a morning person or a night owl? According to a new study, your sleep habits may play a role in the type of food you choose to consume.

The Study

The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Helsinki, found that individuals who identify as morning people, or “morning birds”, tend to consume a healthier diet compared to those who identify as night owls.

The study enlisted 1,620 participants between the ages of 25 and 74 years old. Each participant was asked to complete a survey, which included questions about their eating habits, sleeping habits and physical activity levels.

Based on the responses, the researchers classified each participant as a morning person or a night owl.

The Findings

The study found that morning birds tend to eat a healthier diet that is higher in protein and fibre, and lower in fats, sugars and carbohydrates.

The researchers speculate that this may be due to the fact that morning people are more likely to follow a regular eating schedule, which can lead to healthier food choices.

On the other hand, night owls were found to have a higher intake of fats and sugars, and a lower intake of protein and fibre.

The researchers believe that this may be due to the fact that night owls often have irregular eating schedules and may snack more frequently on less healthy foods.

The Implications

These findings have important implications for individuals who struggle with their eating habits.

If you are a night owl who tends to make less healthy food choices, the study suggests that making an effort to follow a more regular eating schedule could lead to healthier food choices.

The study also highlights the importance of considering an individual’s sleep habits when developing nutrition and health interventions.

For example, a nutrition intervention that focuses on promoting regular eating schedules may be more effective for morning birds compared to night owls.

Conclusion

The study provides valuable insights into the relationship between sleep habits and food choices.

While the findings suggest that morning birds tend to eat a healthier diet compared to night owls, it is important to note that individual differences exist and there are many factors that contribute to an individual’s eating habits.

Ultimately, the study highlights the importance of promoting healthy eating habits regardless of an individual’s sleep patterns, and encourages individuals to make an effort to prioritize healthy eating habits.