Effects of Time-Restricted Eating on Blood Lipids, Vascular Health, and Insulin Sensitivity in Adult Night Shift Workers with Cardiometabolic Risks

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying the effects of circadian misalignment, commonly experienced by night shift workers, on cardiovascular disease CVD and Type 2 diabetes T2D risk. This study aims to understand whether elevated blood lipids are a key factor linking circadian misalignment with impaired vascular function, insulin sensitivity, glucose control, and muscle lipid buildup in these workers. The research focuses on over 20% of the U.S. workforce who work nonstandard hours and are at increased risk for these health problems. The study involves a 12-week randomized crossover design with 50 non-rotating night shift workers aged 18 to 65 who have existing cardiometabolic risk factors. Participants will undergo two 4-week periods one with usual eating during the biological night Control and another with time-restricted eating TRE that avoids eating during the biological night while keeping sleep and calorie intake consistent. A 4-week washout separates these periods. Each period ends with a 3-day inpatient assessment to measure the effects of reduced plasma lipids via TRE on vascular function, blood pressure, insulin sensitivity, glucose control, and muscle lipid accumulation. Participants will be involved in outpatient eating interventions and inpatient laboratory visits for detailed testing including 24-hour blood pressure monitoring, insulin sensitivity clamps, cerebrovascular reactivity scans, and muscle lipid analysis. The study tracks vascular and metabolic changes related to lipid levels and evaluates how TRE may improve health outcomes. This research could identify new ways to prevent cardiometabolic diseases in night shift workers who face chronic circadian challenges. Total participation spans 12 weeks with close monitoring throughout.

Impact of Circulating and Tissue-specific Lipids on Vascular Function and Insulin Sensitivity in Chronic Night Shift Workers