Investigating meal timing to improve health for night shift workers

Food Timing to Mitigate Adverse Consequences of Night Work

NIH-funded research Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-10891391

This study is looking at whether eating only during the day can help improve health for people who work night shifts, as they often face a higher risk of diabetes, and the researchers hope to find helpful eating tips for them.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBrigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10891391 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to explore how restricting meal times to daytime hours can positively impact metabolic health markers, particularly for individuals who work night shifts. Night shift work is linked to an increased risk of diabetes, which is not solely due to lifestyle factors. The study will assess whether aligning eating patterns with the body's natural circadian rhythms can help mitigate adverse health effects. By conducting controlled experiments, the researchers hope to provide evidence that could lead to practical dietary recommendations for night workers.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults who work night shifts and are at risk for metabolic disorders such as diabetes.

Not a fit: Patients who do not work night shifts or have no metabolic health concerns may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could help reduce the risk of diabetes and improve overall health for night shift workers.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in aligning meal timing with circadian rhythms, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Where this research is happening

Boston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Adult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.