04/29/2026
3 hours, no food. 2 hours, no liquids. 1 hour, no screens.
That's the 3-2-1 rule and it's probably the simplest framework I give people for winding down at night. And I think when people actually try moving their last meal earlier, they're kind of shocked at what happens to their sleep scores. It's one of the most underrated tools out there.
Now there's always a balance to it, right? If you are going to eat later, just keep it low glycemic. A good mix of fats, carbs, and proteins that keeps your blood sugar stable. That's going to be way less impactful on your sleep than crushing a big meal right before bed.
But here's the thing most people miss. That last meal timing isn't just about digestion. It's actually really useful for regulating your circadian rhythm too. So you're kind of getting a two-for-one. Better sleep and a more consistent internal clock.
Start with the 3-2-1 tonight. You don't need to overhaul anything. Just move dinner up a little bit and see what happens.