Impact of Daytime Nutrition on Sleep and Health in ICU Patients
Official title: The Impact of Overnight Nutrition Support on Sleep and Circadian Rhythm Disruption in the ICU
Run by Massachusetts General Hospital · NCT04737200 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Massachusetts General Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 8, 2022 |
| Main results expected | March 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | March 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | May 19, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT04737200 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adult patients scheduled for cardiac surgery who will require more than 48 hours of ICU care.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are pregnant, have severe gastrointestinal issues, or cannot comply with study procedures may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Hassan S Dashti, Ph.D., R.D. — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Hassan S Dashti, Ph.D., R.D.
- Email: chrononutrition@mgh.harvard.edu
- Phone: 617-643-7167
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.