The early bird doesn’t just catch the worm; it also gets better sleep and improved digestion. If you think dinners at 5 p.m. sound like something only your grandparents do, you might be wrong. Early bird dinners are making a big comeback thanks to their immense health benefits: smoother gut health, improved sleep patterns, better metabolic health, and the works.

If you are one of those people who love following new social media trends, you might love this one. Early bird dinners have now become a trend on TikTok and other social media platforms, as people are slowly realizing the value of this old habit.

“Eating earlier improves sleep by reducing digestion while asleep, and minimizing acid reflux, both of which can be disruptive to a good night’s sleep,” noted Alex Dimitriu, MD, double board-certified psychiatrist and sleep medicine specialist and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine.

However, as long as you aim to finish dinner 4-5 hours before bed, you’re already doing well.

According to Healthline, there are many other benefits of early bird dinners, which include:

• Improved blood glucose levels
• Better metabolism
• Lesser risk of cardiovascular disease
• Improved weight management
• Improved sleep quality
• Better energy levels in the morning

That said, people with low blood sugar or diabetes should consult their doctor before hopping on the early bird dinner trend.

Of course, this isn’t the first social media trend that is science-backed and can actually benefit you. Every once in a while, even social media trends can get it right.

Other social media health trends that actually deliver

Most people turn their faces away the moment they hear the words “social media trend.” However, it just so happens that these trends get it right once in a blue moon. Here are a few other social media trends that were actually good for you.

• Cozy cardio

This TikTok trend encouraged low-intensity cardio like using a treadmill in a comfortable, familiar, or cozy setting. As per Cleveland Clinic, cozy cardio can make exercise feel more comfortable and sustainable without causing stress.

• Silent walking

Most of us are glued to our devices no matter what we are doing. Working, bathing, eating, even sleeping can seem impossible without them.

The concept of silent walking was to encourage people to take a digital detox, at least while walking. This can promote mindfulness and give your brain a much-needed break from constant stimulation.

• 12-3-3 treadmill workout

This social media trend suggests walking on a treadmill at a 12% incline at 3 mph for 30 minutes. The moderate-intensity workout that started off as a trend actually became highly beneficial for anyone following it.

• Deskercise

As the quirky name suggests, deskercise refers to short bursts of activity or exercise during long hours at a desk. This can include doing some push-ups, squats, stretching, or simply taking a walking break.

Before following any social media trend, make sure to research it thoroughly and find out if it is right for you or not. Have you ever followed any of these social media trends?

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Written by

Avantika Das

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi