How Meal Timing, Body Clocks, and Genes Relate to Non-Infectious Diseases Differently in Men and Women

A total of 112 studies were synthesized to examine the interplay between genetic predisposition, sleep quality, and circadian rhythms in metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.

• Genetic susceptibility and circadian disruption may significantly contribute to obesity, diabetes, and hypertension.
• Sleep deprivation, obstructive sleep apnea, and circadian misalignment are consistently linked with insulin resistance and increased cardiometabolic risk.
• Hormonal pathways involving leptin, ghrelin, cortisol, and melatonin could mediate the effects of sleep and circadian disturbances on metabolic health.
• Sex differences indicate that women may be more vulnerable to sleep-related appetite disturbances, while men may have higher rates of visceral fat and hypertension.
• Chrononutrition strategies, such as time-restricted eating and Mediterranean diets, are associated with improvements in sleep quality and metabolic health.
• Emerging evidence points to bidirectional interactions between gut microbiota rhythms and circadian regulation.

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