Late-night snacks taste good: Here's what it does to your body

Late-night snacking seems to be quite a common phenomenon, especially for those who suffer from an erratic work-life schedule.

Moreover, indulging in late-night snacks can spark curiosity about how they impact our bodies. There are several ways in which having a late-night snack, mostly consisting of high carbohydrates and unhealthy fats, could impact not just our circadian rhythms but our sleep cycle as well.

However, have you ever wondered what late-night snacking does to your body? Late-night snacking refers to the act of consuming food or beverages after dinner or shortly before bedtime.

These cravings can be quite stubborn and can stem from various reasons, including hunger, habit, boredom, stress, or simply a desire to unwind before sleep.

Nonetheless, the quality, quantity, and timing of your evening snacks can greatly impact your overall health.

But eating snacks like potato chips or pizza and other similar food items could negatively impact your body.

A study conducted by researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital found that eating late at night may increase one’s likelihood of developing obesity as it increases hunger, burns fewer calories and changes fat tissue.

According to a 2021 article in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, late-night snacking could lead to gastrointestinal discomfort during sleep, such as indigestion, heartburn and acid reflux.

"Eating foods that take a lot of effort to digest, like high-fat foods or heavy meals, could cause you to wake up frequently throughout the night," dietitian Kelsey Kunik told EatingWell.

Late-night snacking, surprisingly, can offer certain health benefits too. For instance, it can serve as an opportunity to provide your body with essential nutrients that may have been missed during the day.

Opt for nourishing and minimally processed foods like Greek yoghurt with berries, whole-grain crackers with hummus, or a small portion of mixed nuts to satiate hunger and supply your body with vital vitamins and minerals.

If you lead an active lifestyle, consuming high-protein foods before bed can also support your body's rest and recovery.

Opt for snacks that contain tryptophan-rich foods like nuts or seeds, as they can facilitate the production of sleep-regulating neurotransmitters such as serotonin and melatonin.