Timing of Circadian Synchronizers: The TOCS Study
University of Utah
Summary
The overall goal is to examine the efficacy of a circadian intervention in people with overweight and obesity and habitual short sleep duration (HSSD). Participants will undergo a randomized controlled trial, with circadian intervention and control (healthy lifestyle) groups. The circadian intervention is designed to reduce nighttime light exposure and after-dinner snack food intake. Alternatively, the control group will receive basic health information (e.g., physical activity, goal setting, and nutrition when eating out).
Description
The study is a randomized controlled trial with control and circadian intervention groups. Group allocation will be blinded to research staff and participants until the conclusion of the baseline segment. The circadian intervention group will receive counseling and instruction to reduce evening and nighttime light exposure, increase morning room light and sunlight exposure, and complete all food consumption at least 4 hours before bedtime. Participants randomized to control will maintain their habitual food intake and sleep habits in their home environment for \~8 weeks. Both groups will have…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–45 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age: 18-45 years old; equal numbers of men and women 2. Body mass index (BMI): 25.0-34.9 kg/m2, 3. Sleep Habits: habitual self-reported average total sleep time (TST) \<6.5 hours per night for prior 6 months Exclusion Criteria: 1. Clinically diagnosed sleep disorder or major psychiatric illness 2. Evidence of significant organ dysfunction or disease (e.g., diagnosed diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or kidney disease) 3. Use of prescription drugs or substances known to influence sleep or glucose metabolism 4. Shift-work: current or history of within last year 5. Weigh…
Interventions
- BehavioralCircadian Intervention
The circadian intervention group will receive counseling and instruction to reduce evening and nighttime light exposure, increase morning room light and sunlight exposure, and to finish all food consumption at least 4 hours before bedtime.
Location
- College of Health Research Complex--University of UtahSalt Lake City, Utah