New research links late-night eating and stress to increased digestive issues

Researchers analyzed data from more than 11,000 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and over 4,000 participants in the American Gut Project. The study found that individuals with high chronic stress who consumed more than 25% of their daily calories after 9 p.m. had a 1.7‑times higher risk of constipation or diarrhea, and those with both high stress and late‑night eating were 2.5 times more likely to report bowel problems and exhibited reduced diversity in their gut microbiome. Lead author Dr. Harika Dadigiri, a resident physician at New York Medical College, presented the findings at Digestive Disease Week 2026 in Chicago. The observational study suggests that meal timing can amplify stress effects on gut health through the gut‑brain axis, highlighting the emerging field of chrononutrition. While causality cannot be proven, the authors recommend consistent meal routines, such as avoiding large late‑night snacks, to support digestive function.

The research adds to evidence that when people eat matters for physiological function and may offer low‑cost strategies for reducing the burden of digestive problems, which cost the U.S. healthcare system billions annually.