Eating During Sleep Hours Disrupts Intestinal Circadian Rhythms and May Link to Digestive Disorders

A study from UT Southwestern Medical Center indicates that consuming food during typical sleep hours disrupts the synchronization of circadian clocks within intestinal cells. Published in the journal *PNAS*, the research suggests that this internal misalignment may contribute to the development of gastrointestinal conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and chronic constipation.

The researchers observed that the body’s internal timing mechanisms rely on consistent patterns to regulate digestive functions. When individuals eat outside of their normal circadian rhythm—such as during shift work or while experiencing jet lag—the intestinal cells lose their coordinated timing. This disruption affects how the digestive system processes nutrients and maintains health, providing a potential biological link between environmental stressors that alter sleep-wake cycles and the onset of various gastrointestinal disorders.

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Date: June 9, 2026

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