Impact of Nighttime Food Consumption and Feasibility of Fasting during Night Work: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Shift work has been associated with an increased risk of developing chronic non-communicable diseases, such as obesity. The reduction in overnight fasting and its physiological consequences seem to affect the metabolic health of shift workers, but little has been discussed regarding the feasibility and implications of maintaining a night-long fast during work. This narrative review aims to discuss the impact of eating behavior on the reduction of overnight fasting in shift workers, as well as possible nutritional strategies involving fasting that have been tested for shift workers, to contribute to the establishment of nutritional guidelines for them. We used various databases and search engines to retrieve relevant articles, reviews, and investigations. Despite the potential benefits of overnight fasting for other groups, few studies have investigated this approach in the context of shift work. Generally, it seems to be a feasible and metabolically beneficial strategy for shift workers. However, it is essential to investigate the potential risks and benefits of reducing the fasting time for shift workers, considering social, hedonic, and stress-related factors. Furthermore, randomized clinical trials are necessary to establish safe and feasible strategies for shift workers to practice different fasting windows.