Impact of Daytime Nutrition on Sleep and Health in ICU Patients

The Impact of Overnight Nutrition Support on Sleep and Circadian Rhythm Disruption in the ICU

Not applicable Interventional Massachusetts General Hospital · NCT04737200

This study is testing if giving food to ICU patients during the day instead of at night can help them sleep better and improve their overall health after heart surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMassachusetts General Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Boston, Massachusetts)
Trial IDNCT04737200 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates whether changing the timing of enteral nutrition from overnight to daytime can improve sleep quality and maintain circadian rhythms in postoperative cardiac patients in the ICU. By administering nutrition during the day, the researchers aim to reduce inflammation and enhance cardiometabolic health. The study will involve adult patients scheduled for cardiac surgery who will be monitored for changes in sleep patterns and health outcomes based on the timing of their nutrition support. The findings could lead to new guidelines for nutrition practices in critical care settings.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adult patients scheduled for cardiac surgery who will require more than 48 hours of ICU care.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, have severe gastrointestinal issues, or cannot comply with study procedures may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve sleep quality and overall health outcomes for ICU patients.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of timing nutrition support is novel, related studies have shown that optimizing nutrition can positively impact patient outcomes in critical care.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult male or non-pregnant female volunteers (age 18+)
* Scheduled for a cardiac surgical procedure with planned post-operative admission to the ICU for \>48 hours
* Able and willing to give consent and comply with study procedures

Exclusion Criteria:

* Blind, deaf or unable to speak English
* Women who are pregnant or nursing
* Contraindications to safe use enteral nutrition, including gastrointestinal obstruction
* Personal history of intestinal malabsorption, gallbladder disease or pancreatitis
* Dietary restrictions precluding enteral feeds
* Renal and liver failure requiring dialysis or Child-Pugh score \> 7
* Severe deficit due to structural or anoxic brain damage
* With skin condition that precludes wearing sensors

Where this trial is running

Boston, Massachusetts

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Feeding PatternsSleepGlucose IntoleranceEnteral NutritionChrononutritionIntensive Care UnitChronobiologyNutrition Support
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.