This study will test whether biological sex influences how the body responds to circadian misalignment-a mismatch between the internal body clock and the timing of sleep and eating (as can occur with shift work or jet lag). Researchers will examine how circadian misalignment affects appetite regulation (hunger/fullness) and glucose metabolism (blood sugar control), and whether these effects differ between females and males. Findings may help inform more personalized shift work schedules and targeted strategies to reduce metabolic health risks and sex-related differences in clinical care.
This study will examine whether biological sex affects how the body responds to circadian misalignment-a mismatch between a person's internal body clock and their sleep/wake and eating schedule (similar to what can happen with night shift work, jet lag, or frequently changing sleep schedules). Researchers will measure how circadian misalignment influences appetite regulation (such as hunger and fullness) and glucose metabolism (how the body controls blood sugar), and whether these effects differ between females and males. By identifying sex-specific responses to circadian misalignment, this research may help guide the development of safer, more personalized shift work schedules and targeted strategies to reduce metabolic health risks, with the goal of improving clinical care and reducing sex-related differences in metabolic disease risk.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
36
Research participants will be assigned to day shift condition in which sleep-wake and meal schedules are aligned with the internal circadian system
Research participants will be assigned to simulated night shift condition in which sleep-wake and meal schedules are misaligned with the internal circadian system
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Difference in circulating leptin levels between Night Shift and Day Shift
Differences of 24-h circulating leptin levels on the test days in the two experimental conditions
Time frame: 24 hours
Differences in Disposition index (DI) derived from identical test breakfast between Night Shift and Day Shift
Disposition index (DI) derived from oral minimal model based on postprandial glucose, insulin, and c-peptide responses to identical test breakfast on the test days between protocols
Time frame: 3 hours
Differences in self-rated cravings for hyperpalatable food during the wake period between Night Shift and Day Shift.
Differences in self-rated cravings for hyperpalatable food during the wake period on the test days between protocols.
Time frame: 16 hours
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