Why you have to sleep at the same time for a whole week?

 

Small differences in sleeping habits between work days and rest days can lead to unfavorable changes in the bacteria in our guts, research suggests.

According to a study of nearly 1,000 adults conducted by scientists at King's College London, it says that disrupted eating schedules, especially due to work, have an impact on health.

Keeping bedtimes and waking times consistent and eating a balanced diet can help reduce the risk of disease.

There are different types of bacteria in the digestive system. Some are better than others, but finding the right combination is important to prevent disease.

"Changes in eating times can create micro-organisms that have a negative relationship with your health," says Kate Bermingham, study author and nutritionist at health sciences company Zoe.

Going to bed and waking up at different times during the week, compared to weekends, is thought to affect more than 40% of the UK population, research says, and is common in young people and then decreases as we get older.

Research Participants

Participants in this study, published by the European Journal of Nutrition, examined sleep and blood. Stool samples were collected and everything they ate was recorded in a food questionnaire.

Those who change their bedtimes are 16% more likely to eat foods full of potatoes, including crisps and chips, as well as sugary drinks, and fruit and nuts.

Previous research has shown people who change their meal times eat less fiber than those whose meal times don't change. Other studies have found that people who change their sleep time gain weight, diseases and mental fatigue.

The researchers found three out of six species of microorganisms were more abundant in the guts of people who changed their eating times. They are also associated with poor nutrition, obesity, higher rates of infection and risk of stroke.

"Maintaining the habit of eating at the same time as waking up is an easy habit to follow," says Dr Sarah Berry, of King's University London.

What is a healthy diet?

The NHS website recommends:

• Eat at least five kinds of fruits and vegetables every day

• Include fruits and vegetables in foods high in carbohydrates such as potatoes, bread, rice or pasta

• Eat milk substitutes or drink milk itself, and eat foods high in sugar or fat when possible

• Eat beans, pulses, fish, eggs, meat and other proteins

• Drink plenty of water (at least six to eight glasses a day).