Role of Biological Sex in Metabolic Responses to Night Work
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Summary
This study will test whether biological sex influences how the body responds to circadian misalignment-a mismatch between the internal body clock and the timing of sleep and eating (as can occur with shift work or jet lag). Researchers will examine how circadian misalignment affects appetite regulation (hunger/fullness) and glucose metabolism (blood sugar control), and whether these effects differ between females and males. Findings may help inform more personalized shift work schedules and targeted strategies to reduce metabolic health risks and sex-related differences in clinical care.
Description
This study will examine whether biological sex affects how the body responds to circadian misalignment-a mismatch between a person's internal body clock and their sleep/wake and eating schedule (similar to what can happen with night shift work, jet lag, or frequently changing sleep schedules). Researchers will measure how circadian misalignment influences appetite regulation (such as hunger and fullness) and glucose metabolism (how the body controls blood sugar), and whether these effects differ between females and males. By identifying sex-specific responses to circadian misalignment, this r…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–40 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * 18-40 years of age * Body Mass Index 18.5-24.9 kg/m2 * Non-smokers, no current tobacco or e-cigarette use * Healthy with no acute or chronic medical and psychiatric disorders * Sex assigned at birth consistent with reproductive anatomy at enrollment (per protocol definition) Exclusion Criteria: * History of drug or alcohol dependency * History of psychiatric illness or disorder * Pregnant * No prior gender-affirming hormone therapy and no gonadectomy
Interventions
- BehavioralDay shift
Research participants will be assigned to day shift condition in which sleep-wake and meal schedules are aligned with the internal circadian system
- BehavioralNight shift
Research participants will be assigned to simulated night shift condition in which sleep-wake and meal schedules are misaligned with the internal circadian system
Location
- Brigham and Women's HospitalBoston, Massachusetts