Time-Restricted Eating Versus Daily Calorie Restriction: Effect on Sleep in Adults with Obesity over 12 Months

Nutrients. 2024 Oct 18;16(20):3528. doi: 10.3390/nu16203528.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this secondary analysis was to compare the effects of time-restricted eating (TRE) versus daily calorie restriction (CR) on sleep quality, duration, insomnia severity, and risk of obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity over one year. Methods: A total of 90 participants were randomized to one of three groups for 12 months: 8 h TRE (eating only between 12 p.m. and 8 p.m.); CR (25% daily calorie restriction) or a no-intervention control group. Results: By the end of the study, weight loss was 4.61 kg (95% CI; 7.37 to 1.85 kg; p ≤ 0.01) for the TRE group and 5.42 kg (CI; 9.13 to 1.71 kg; p ≤ 0.01) for the CR group, with no statistically significant difference between TRE and CR (0.81 kg [CI; 3.07 to 4.69]; p = 0.68]). Self-reported sleep quality, sleep duration, insomnia severity, and risk of obstructive sleep apnea did not change in the TRE or CR groups versus controls by month 12. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the weight loss produced by TRE and CR does not have any impact on various sleep parameters in adults with obesity over one year.

Keywords: calorie restriction; insomnia; intermittent fasting; obesity; obstructive sleep apnea; sleep quality; time-restricted eating; weight loss.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Caloric Restriction* / methods
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Obesity* / complications
  • Obesity* / diet therapy
  • Sleep / physiology
  • Sleep Apnea, Obstructive*
  • Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / etiology
  • Sleep Quality
  • Time Factors
  • Weight Loss*