Many people prefer to delay dinner to a later hour, due to work or study pressures or being busy during the day, but this choice isn't always ideal, as research suggests meal timing may affect blood pressure and body functions during the night.
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According to Verywell Health, some studies have shown that eating late may be linked to higher blood pressure, but researchers stress that this doesn't necessarily mean late dinners are the direct cause, as other factors, such as diet, stress, and lack of sleep, may also play a role.
Meal timing is linked to the body's internal clock, which regulates a number of its functions, including blood pressure, metabolism, and kidney function.
Blood pressure typically drops during sleep, before rising again upon waking.
Eating a salty meal late may have a greater effect, since the kidneys clear salt and water more slowly at night.
A small study found that eating a sodium-rich meal late in the day led the body to retain more salt, and to higher blood pressure the following morning.
A late dinner can also affect sleep, especially if the meal is large, as it may cause indigestion or heartburn, making it harder to fall asleep. Lack of sleep can in turn negatively affect blood pressure.
Some studies suggest that eating dinner about three hours before bedtime may help improve blood pressure overnight; however, there is still no specific recommended dinner time that suits everyone.
Experts recommend focusing more on habits proven to affect blood pressure, such as reducing salt intake, following a healthy diet, staying physically active, getting good sleep, and managing stress.
Eating dinner late occasionally doesn't necessarily mean it will raise blood pressure, but it's best to avoid making eating right before bed a daily habit.
