Understanding how light and meal timing affect cholesterol rhythms in humans

Determining The Role of Photic and Non-Photic Time Cues in Resetting Lipid Circadian Rhythms in Humans

NIH-funded research Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-10892905

This study is looking at how the timing of meals and light exposure can affect cholesterol and triglyceride levels in your body, and it aims to find the best times for treatments that could help improve heart health. If you join the study, you'll help us learn how your eating and light habits influence your lipid levels!

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-10892905 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how both light exposure and meal timing can influence the body's natural rhythms related to cholesterol and triglyceride levels. By examining the circadian rhythms of these lipids, the study aims to determine the best timing for interventions that could help reset these rhythms. The approach involves creating Phase Response Curves (PRCs) to identify optimal times for administering treatments, which could lead to better management of cardiovascular health. Patients may be asked to participate in trials that monitor their lipid levels in relation to their eating and light exposure patterns.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include adults experiencing circadian rhythm disruptions, such as shift workers or those with sleep-wake disorders.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have issues with circadian rhythm regulation or those with stable cholesterol levels may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for managing cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in resetting circadian rhythms through light and meal timing, suggesting that this approach could be effective.

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 Cardiometabolic DiseaseCardiometabolic DisorderCardiovascular Diseases
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.