Do chronotype differences and night eating syndrome affect dental health?

Psychometric properties of the Turkish reduced morningness and eveningness questionnaire

The aim of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the 5-item Turkish Reduced Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (rMEQ) for the first time. The study involved 875 university students in an adaptation and validation study. Participants completed the rMEQ, MEQ, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Barratt Impulsiveness Scale Short Form (BIS-SF), and Oxford Happiness Questionnaire Short Form (OHQ-SF). The factor structure, convergent validity, internal consistency, sensitivity, and specificity of the rMEQ were examined. The confirmatory factor analysis showed that the rMEQ had a one-dimensional structure with good fit indices (χ2/df = 2.94, CFI = 0.990, TLI = 0.979, RMSEA = 0.047, and SRMR = 0.019). There was a significantly strong correlation between rMEQ and MEQ. In addition, we found a significantly weak correlation between rMEQ and DASS-21, ISI, BIS-SF, and OHQ-SF. The internal consistency coefficients of rMEQ were Cronbach's α = 0.706 and McDonald's ω = 0.740. The sensitivity and specificity of rMEQ were 83.3%-92.7% for morning types and 86.3%-87.3% for evening types. The Turkish rMEQ has adequate psychometric properties and can be used to assess an individual's chronotype.

The Relationship between Sleep, Chronotype, and Dental Caries-A Narrative Review

This article provides an overview of how sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances mutually influence the occurrence of dental caries and how it is possible to reduce the risk of circadian rhythm disturbances, sleep, and associated adverse effects. Dental caries is a global problem worldwide that contributes to sociological limitations. Numerous factors influence the occurrence of dental caries, from socioeconomic factors to cariogenic bacteria, dietary habits, and oral hygiene. However, sleep disorders and circadian rhythm disturbances represent a new approach in the fight against the increasing prevalence of dental caries worldwide. Bacteria in the oral cavity and the oral microbiome are mainly responsible for the development of caries, and saliva plays an important role in their regulation. The circadian rhythm regulates numerous physiological functions, including sleep and saliva production. Disturbances in sleep and circadian rhythms affect saliva production, which impacts the development of dental caries, as saliva is necessary for regulating and maintaining oral health, especially for controlling oral infections. A person's preference for a particular time of day depends on the circadian rhythm called chronotype. Individuals with an evening chronotype have a less healthy lifestyle that can lead to a higher caries risk than individuals with a morning chronotype. Because circadian rhythms are critical to maintaining sleep homeostasis and oral health, sleep disturbances can disrupt circadian rhythms and lead to a vicious cycle.

The relationship between chronotype, night eating behavior and fear of COVID-19 in academics

Academics are an occupational group that works at an intense pace. The number of studies on chronotype and night eating behavior in academics is limited, and there is insufficient data on whether fear of COVID-19 is also a risk for developing eating disorders. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between chronotype and night eating syndrome (NES) and examine the influence of fear of COVID-19 on night eating behavior in academics. The study data were collected using the personal information form, "Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire, The Night Eating Questionnaire (NEQ), and the Fear of COVID-19 Scale." According to the chronotypes of the academicians, it was determined that the score compatible with NES and the scores of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale differed statistically significantly, and the score compatible with NES and Fear of COVID-19 Scale scores were also higher in the evening type at a rate of 29.2% compared to other chronotypes (p < .05). The Fear of COVID-19 scale and Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire scores were significantly correlated with the Night Eating Questionnaire (R = .391 R² = .153 p < .05). The variables of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale and the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire explained 15% of the total variance of the Night Eating Questionnaire scores. Considering that academics are a group that works without the concept of overtime and whose work intensity is high, it is clear that studies should be conducted to raise awareness to protect the physical health of academics and prevent the development of eating disorders. There is a need for studies that question the relationship between chronotype, diet, and health.

Individual Circadian Preference, Eating Disorders and Obesity in Children and Adolescents: A Dangerous Liaison? A Systematic Review and a Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Obesity and other eating disorders are an actual public health problem, especially in childhood and adolescents, and could be also related with chronotype. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the relationship between eating disorders, obesity and the different chronotypes in children and adolescents.

METHODS

A systematic review of observational studies evaluating young populations dealing with and evaluating chronotype was conducted. Electronic searches were performed in six international databases. A qualitative thematic-categorical analysis was carried out and a random-effects model was used for the quantitative analysis (meta-analysis).

RESULTS

Fifteen studies were included, but quantitative analysis was only carried out in three of them. Children and adolescents with an evening chronotype had higher body mass index, consumed more junk food or were more predisposed to suffer from food addiction and night eating syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS

Children and adolescents with evening chronotype had higher tendency to incorrect eating behaviors and were suffering from overweight/obesity. Environment but also lifestyle factors should be considered in the association between chronotype and eating disorders and obesity.