Impact of Exogenous Ketones on Sleep and Breathing in Healthy Volunteers (K-EFFECTS)
Johns Hopkins University
Summary
Ketones are molecules generated by the body during the metabolism of fat. Exogenous ketones (EK) are substances that can raise the level of ketones in the circulation without changing diet. In this research study, the investigators are testing the tolerability, sleep effects, and dose effects of a commercially available EK product called Ketone-IQ. The investigators will administer Ketone-IQ open-label to healthy volunteers (n=20, 10 men, 10 women) before sleep in the participant's home setting and collect information about subjective sleep and GI symptoms, as well as objective data about beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) levels and sleep architecture using a headband-EEG device (Sleep Profiler). Participants will measure capillary BHB levels before ingestion and at 1, 3, and 5 hours post-ingestion, as well as upon awakening. Questionnaires will be used to gather feedback on the palatability of EK, GI side effects, and sleep quality. Higher scores indicate better sleep quality. Two doses (20 g and 40 g) of Ketone-IQ will be tested each for two nights, with one night used to measure BHB levels and a separate night to allow for uninterrupted sleep.
Description
There is growing interest leveraging ketone metabolism for human health and performance. Exogenous ketones (EK) are substances that directly increase circulating ketones in the body without requiring a change in diet. While EK have been studied in the contexts of energy metabolism and exercise, few studies have examined EKs impact on sleep, a critical window for repair and rest. A mouse study showed that wakefulness increased brain ketones, while injection of acetoacetate increased slow wave sleep, suggesting a homeostatic sleep-promoting role of ketones. In humans, strenuous exercise reduced…