0158 Nighttime Snacking and Sleep: Comparing Commercially-Available Snacks Consumed Before Bed

Most Americans snack at night, though caloric consumption and consumption of certain nutrients and ingredients at night can contribute to sleep disruption and cardiometabolic disease risk. Chips, cookies, ice cream and candy are the most popular snacks consumed before bed. Perhaps certain snacks at night can minimize risks to sleep and cardiometabolic health due to nutritional profile, ingredient composition, and other factors.

Seventy-seven adults completed a 5-week open-label crossover study. They consumed the same snack each night for 3 days, then had a 4-day washout before switching to the next product. Product order was randomized and included NightFood ice cream (NF; product of interest), Halo Top ice cream (HT; “healthy” comparator), Ben & Jerry’s ice cream (B&J; “indulgent” comparator), Lay’s potato chips (LAYS; non-ice cream comparator), and no snack. Participants completed daily ratings (3-day mean) for daytime energy, evening cravings, nighttime relaxation, feelings of satisfaction, bloating/discomfort, difficulties initiating and maintaining sleep, feeling refreshed, and sleep continuity (sleep latency, wake after sleep onset, awakenings). Linear mixed models were adjusted for order.

B&J was associated with lower daytime energy vs no snack. B&J and NF were associated with more relaxation at night vs LAYS. All three ice-creams were more satisfying vs LAYS post-snack, but NF and B&J were much more satisfying than HT, and not different from each other. HT and NF were rated lower on bloating/discomfort than LAYS, while B&J was rated much higher. Individuals went to bed earlier if they ate LAYS (~40 minutes), or NF (~25 minutes) vs no snack. Compared to no snack, individuals who ate NF were less likely to report difficulty initiating sleep or returning to sleep, greater sleep quality, and greater feelings of rest and energy the next morning. Conversely, individuals who ate B&J had worse sleep quality and energy the next morning.

Snacks formulated to satisfy cravings while minimizing sleep disruption and including ingredients that may support sleep may be a preferable option for individuals who choose to snack at night. Future work is needed to better understand how to minimize risks and potential adverse impacts of nighttime snacking.

NightFood