Understanding how sleep affects eating and activity in adolescents

Impact of Well-Timed vs. Mis-timed Sleep Extension on Adolescents' Dietary Intake

Not applicable Interventional Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati · NCT04992611

This study is trying to see how changing sleep times affects eating and activity levels in teens who are either early risers or night owls.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment204 (estimated)
Ages14 Years to 18 Years
SexAll
SponsorChildren's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati Academic / other
Locations1 site (Cincinnati, Ohio)
Trial IDNCT04992611 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the relationship between sleep patterns, dietary habits, and physical activity in adolescents, focusing on the differences between 'Morning Larks' and 'Night Owls'. By extending sleep duration through earlier bedtimes for both groups, the researchers aim to clarify why sleep extension has varying effects on caloric intake and glycemic load. The goal is to identify mechanisms that could inform obesity prevention strategies tailored to different chronotypes. The findings could lead to targeted public health interventions to improve adolescent health outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy adolescents aged 14-18 who do not have obesity or sleep disorders.

Not a fit: Patients with obesity, sleep disorders, or those on medications affecting sleep or weight may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to effective strategies for preventing obesity and improving long-term health in adolescents.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results in sleep extension impacting dietary habits, but this specific approach focusing on chronotype differences is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Healthy adolescents (any sex, gender, race, or ethnicity) aged 14-18 years, inclusive

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Obesity, because findings are meant to inform obesity-prevention efforts
2. Use of a psychiatric medication or other drug with known effects on sleep, weight, or dietary behaviors.
3. Intellectual disability (aka mental retardation)
4. Symptoms of insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea or periodic limb movement disorder, which could mask the effects of the sleep manipulation.
5. Work or other obligations that require bedtime later than 9:30 pm or waking prior to 10 am (earliest bedtime and latest rise time possible during sleep extension) during the final week of the study, or other scheduling obligations that preclude participation.
6. Daily consumption of \>1 coffee or "energy drink" or \>2 caffeinated sodas.
7. Currently diagnosed neurologic illness, history of seizures, or history of head injury resulting in loss of consciousness \>1 min.
8. Refusal to refrain from automobile driving during the sleep restriction period of the study.
9. Symptoms of clinical depression, bipolar disorder, or psychosis.

Where this trial is running

Cincinnati, Ohio

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 SleepCircadian Rhythm DisordersDietary Habits
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.