Testing a New Dietary Approach to Improve Symptoms and Quality of Life in Adults with Narcolepsy and Idiopathic Hypersomnia

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating how changes in diet affect sleepiness, quality of life, and metabolic health in adults living with narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia. This trial focuses on two dietary approaches a whole-food ketogenic diet and a standard whole-food diet, aiming to provide additional lifestyle options beyond medication for managing symptoms. This area of research is new for hypersomnolence conditions but builds on evidence of safety and benefits in other chronic and neurological conditions. The study is a 12-week randomized controlled trial with two groups. All participants start with a three-week period consuming a standard whole-food diet. After this run-in, they are randomly assigned to either continue the standard whole-food diet or switch to a whole-food ketogenic diet that limits carbohydrates to 30-50 grams per day to achieve nutritional ketosis. Both diets focus on unprocessed or minimally processed foods, with the ketogenic diet targeting specific ketone levels monitored through blood and urine tests. Participants will be involved in dietary changes and monitored for feasibility, tolerability, and compliance throughout the 12 weeks. Assessments include measures of sleep quality and sleepiness, metabolic health markers, mood, quality of life surveys, and dietary adherence using ketone levels and sleep diaries. Data collection involves interviews and questionnaires to understand patient experiences and preferences. The study aims to assess whether these diet changes can be sustained and improve health outcomes alongside usual care.

A Novel Approach to Manage Symptoms of Narcolepsy and Idiopathic Hypersomnia