Researchers analysing data from over 11,000 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found that individuals with high stress who consumed a quarter of their daily calories after 9 pm were 1.7 times more likely to experience bowel issues, according to the study authors. A separate analysis of more than 4,000 individuals from the American Gut Project showed that those with high stress and late-night snacking were 2.5 times more prone to developing bowel problems, the researchers reported.
Dr Harika Dadigiri, lead author from New York Medical College at Saint Mary’s and Saint Clare’s Hospital, said: “It’s not just what you eat, but when you eat it. And when we’re already under stress, that timing may deliver a ‘double hit’ to gut health.” She added that small, consistent habits like maintaining a structured meal routine may help promote regular eating patterns and support digestive function.
The studies did not specify which bowel problems beyond constipation and diarrhoea were measured, nor the exact definitions of 'high stress' and 'late-night snacking'. It is unclear how other factors such as diet quality, sleep, and physical activity were controlled for, and whether the findings apply to non-US populations.