Later first and last caloric intake timing is independently associated with lower Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ) scores in physically active university students.
In a cross-sectional study of 200 physically active university students, later first and last caloric intake were independently associated with lower MEQ scores (β = -0.435 and -0.422, respectively; both p < 0.001), indicating greater eveningness. The model explained 51.1% of the variance in MEQ scores. Evening-type participants had poorer sleep behaviors, longer sleep latency, lower sleep efficiency, more nocturnal awakenings, and poorer subjective sleep quality compared to morning-type participants.
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Later first and last caloric intake timing is independently associated with lower Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ) scores in physically active university students. The current body of evidence comprises 1 study. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 34/100 (low).
The Claim
Later first and last caloric intake timing is independently associated with lower Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ) scores in physically active university students.
This conclusion is most relevant to: Physically active university students aged 18-25 years who exercised ≥3 days/week and ≥150 min/week for the preceding six months (n=200)..
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Chronotype, temporal eating patterns, and sleep behaviors among physically active university students: A cross-sectional study. (Chronobiology international, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Later first caloric intake may shift circadian phase, delaying the internal clock.
- ▸Later last caloric intake may affect metabolic signals that influence sleep-wake timing.
- ▸Evening chronotype is associated with poorer sleep behaviors and sleep quality.
- ▸Result: Later meal timing is associated with greater eveningness and less favorable sleep characteristics.
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Physically active university students aged 18-25 years who exercised ≥3 days/week and ≥150 min/week for the preceding six months (n=200).
Recommended Dose
N/A
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Cross-sectional design; causality and temporal direction cannot be inferred.
- ▸Single-university sample limits generalizability to other populations.
- ▸Dietary intake and sleep were self-reported, potentially introducing recall bias.
- ▸No adjustment for potential confounders like physical activity intensity or academic schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main finding of this study?▼
Later first and last caloric intake timing is independently associated with lower MEQ scores, indicating a shift toward eveningness, in physically active university students.
How was chronotype measured?▼
Chronotype was measured using the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ), with lower scores indicating eveningness.
Did total energy or macronutrient intake affect sleep outcomes?▼
No, total energy and macronutrient intake were unrelated to the evaluated sleep outcomes.
Can we conclude that eating later causes worse sleep?▼
No, because the study is cross-sectional, so causality and temporal direction cannot be inferred.
References
- 1.Özcan FÖ, Alpaslan B. “Chronotype, temporal eating patterns, and sleep behaviors among physically active university students: A cross-sectional study..” Chronobiology international, 2026. PMID: 42603132 DOI: 10.1080/07420528.2026.2718346