Experts warn that eating dinner too early, especially with a significant gap before bedtime, can lead to a 'double dinner' or late-night snacking. This habit can disrupt hunger signals, slow digestion, and potentially cause weight gain, bloating, and disturbed sleep. Dietitians suggest that a 'timely dinner' is one eaten approximately three hours before sleep, emphasizing that the timing relative to bedtime is more crucial than a strict early dinner rule.