Portion Size for Shift Work Sleep Disorder

Overseen By Mehreen Bhatti, BS

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Columbia University

Disqualifiers: Pregnancy, Smoking, Diabetes, Hypertension, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

100 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This study will compare eating behaviors and measures of hunger and fullness between day and night workers in order to better understand why night workers are at increased risk for obesity and related diseases.

Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?

The protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?

The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What data supports the idea that Portion Size for Shift Work Sleep Disorder (also known as: Portion size) is an effective treatment?

The available research does not provide direct evidence that Portion Size is an effective treatment for Shift Work Sleep Disorder. Instead, the studies focus on how shift work affects eating behaviors and sleep patterns. For example, one study found that night shift workers tend to consume more empty calorie foods and beverages, which could be linked to weight gain. Another study showed that altering meal timing can affect hunger and sleepiness levels during night shifts. These findings suggest that managing portion sizes and meal timing might help shift workers maintain healthier eating habits, but there is no specific data supporting Portion Size as a treatment for the disorder itself. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Portion size for Shift Work Sleep Disorder?

Research suggests that shift workers often experience disrupted sleep and irregular eating patterns, leading to increased snacking and consumption of empty calories. Adjusting portion sizes, especially during night shifts, may help manage hunger and reduce unhealthy eating behaviors, potentially improving overall health for shift workers. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

What safety data exists for portion size treatment in shift work sleep disorder?

The provided research does not directly address safety data for portion size treatment in shift work sleep disorder. The studies focus on the impact of portion size on energy intake, consumer behavior, and nutrition labeling, but do not evaluate safety or its application to shift work sleep disorder. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

Is portion size generally safe for humans?

The research does not provide specific safety data on portion size as a treatment, but it suggests that adjusting portion sizes can influence energy intake without mentioning any safety concerns. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

Is portion size a promising treatment for Shift Work Sleep Disorder?

Portion size control could be a promising treatment for Shift Work Sleep Disorder because it helps manage weight and improve dietary habits, which are often disrupted in shift workers. By limiting the amount of food consumed, especially during irregular hours, shift workers might better regulate their energy intake and maintain a healthier lifestyle. ^{1 3 11 12 13}

How does the portion size treatment differ from other treatments for Shift Work Sleep Disorder?

The portion size treatment for Shift Work Sleep Disorder is unique because it focuses on managing the timing and size of meals to address the disrupted eating patterns caused by shift work. Unlike other treatments that might focus on medication or sleep hygiene, this approach aims to optimize weight management and energy intake by potentially limiting eating episodes to a specific time window, which is a novel behavioral intervention for this condition. ^{1 3 11 12 13}

Research Team

Marie-Pierre St-Onge, PhD

Principal Investigator

Columbia University

Faris M Zuraikat, PhD

Principal Investigator

Columbia University

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for day or night shift workers aged 20-55, with a BMI of 19-35, living in the NYC area. They must be metabolically healthy and weight stable for the past three months. It's not open to pregnant women, smokers, those with certain health conditions like cardiovascular disease or diabetes, or anyone on a recent diet program.

Inclusion Criteria

I am between 20 and 55 years old.

You live in the New York City area.

My metabolism is healthy.

Exclusion Criteria

I work in shifts that change periodically.

I have type 2 diabetes.

I have a diagnosed psychiatric or sleep disorder.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Baseline Assessment

Initial assessment of eating behaviors and appetite-regulating hormones

1 week

1 visit (in-person)

Observation

Participants' eating behaviors and appetite are monitored during day and night shifts

1 week

Daily monitoring (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in eating behaviors and appetite post-observation

1 week

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Portion size

Trial Overview The study is looking at how portion size affects hunger and fullness in day versus night shift workers to understand their higher obesity risk. Participants' eating behaviors will be compared based on their work shifts.

Participant Groups

Group I: Night worker Active Control 1 Intervention

Men and women who work only night shift for at least 3 consecutive days of the week

Group II: Day worker Active Control 1 Intervention

Men and women who work only day shift for at least 3 consecutive days of the week

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Columbia University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,529

Recruited

2,832,000+

Findings from Research

In a study involving 24 healthy males living in a sleep laboratory for 12 days, those experiencing severe sleep restriction (4 hours of sleep) consumed significantly more snacks, especially sweet snacks, compared to those with moderate sleep restriction (6 hours of sleep).

The findings suggest that severe sleep restriction may increase the risk of obesity and related health issues among shiftworkers due to higher snack consumption and a preference for unhealthy snack choices.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effect of sleep restriction on snacking behaviour during a week of simulated shiftwork. Heath, G., Roach, GD., Dorrian, J., et al.[2022]

In a study of 63 shift workers, poor sleep quality and shorter sleep duration were linked to increased food cravings and a higher desire to eat palatable foods, suggesting a connection between sleep disturbances and appetite regulation.

The majority of participants (84%) reported weight gain since starting shift work, with an average increase of 11.3 kg, indicating that disrupted sleep patterns may contribute to obesity risk in this population.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Relationship between Sleep and Hedonic Appetite in Shift Workers. Vidafar, P., Cain, SW., Shechter, A.[2021]

Night shift workers experienced significantly shorter sleep duration and more premature awakenings compared to day workers, indicating that shift work disrupts sleep quality.

Despite similar self-reported food intake, night workers had a longer eating duration, suggesting potential for behavioral interventions like time-restricted feeding to help manage weight in this population.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Free-Living Sleep, Food Intake, and Physical Activity in Night and Morning Shift Workers. Lauren, S., Chen, Y., Friel, C., et al.[2021]

In a study of 44 healthy participants undergoing a 7-day simulated shiftwork protocol, those who had a snack at night reported significantly less sleepiness compared to those who had a meal or did not eat at all.

Participants who snacked during the night felt hungrier than those who had a meal, but the snack did not lead to increased fullness, suggesting that nighttime snacking can help manage hunger without negatively impacting alertness.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Subjective Hunger, Gastric Upset, and Sleepiness in Response to Altered Meal Timing during Simulated Shiftwork. Gupta, CC., Centofanti, S., Dorrian, J., et al.[2020]

Night shift workers are more likely to consume unhealthy foods and beverages, such as fast food and sugar-sweetened drinks, on the same day they work night shifts, with adjusted odds ratios indicating a 70% higher likelihood for fast food and 50% for sugary drinks.

The study, involving 77 nurses over 14 days with 2444 assessments, found no significant link between shift work and unhealthy eating the following day, suggesting that immediate dietary choices are more affected by the shift itself.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Shift work relationships with same- and subsequent-day empty calorie food and beverage consumption. Lin, TT., Park, C., Kapella, MC., et al.[2021]

The Nutri-Score label effectively reduced portion sizes for less healthy products, with participants selecting smaller portions compared to when no label was present (OR = 0.76).

The Multiple Traffic Lights (MTL) label also lowered portion sizes, but the Evolved Nutrition Label (ENL) had mixed effects, reducing portion sizes for cheeses but increasing them for sweet spreads, indicating inconsistency in its impact.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Impact of Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labels on Portion Size Selection: An Experimental Study in a French Cohort. Egnell, M., Kesse-Guyot, E., Galan, P., et al.[2022]

In a study involving 111 adult participants, reducing meal portion sizes consistently led to decreased energy intake, suggesting that smaller portions can help most people eat less during meals.

The research found no significant participant characteristics (like sex, body weight, or eating behaviors) that affected how much energy intake changed with portion size reduction, indicating that portion control could be an effective strategy for reducing overall energy consumption across diverse populations.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Individual differences and moderating participant characteristics in the effect of reducing portion size on meal energy intake: Pooled analysis of three randomized controlled trials. Robinson, E., Haynes, A.[2023]

Reducing breakfast portion sizes by 20% and 40% did not significantly change overall energy intake throughout the day in a study of 33 adults, indicating that smaller portions may not lead to lower total calorie consumption.

However, a 40% reduction in portion size resulted in lower levels of gastrointestinal hormones associated with fullness and higher appetite ratings, suggesting that while energy intake remained stable, appetite and hormone responses were affected, which could inform strategies for managing energy intake.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of reducing portion size at a compulsory meal on later energy intake, gut hormones, and appetite in overweight adults. Lewis, HB., Ahern, AL., Solis-Trapala, I., et al.[2023]

Participants found colored portion pots and disposable plastic cups particularly useful for estimating portion sizes of amorphous foods like breakfast cereals, indicating a preference for practical tools in portion size estimation.

The study highlighted a strong preference for 'visual' portion size estimation aids over traditional weight measurements, with participants suggesting that educational guidance should be concise, age-appropriate, and delivered through innovative channels like mobile apps or advertisements.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

An evaluation of portion size estimation aids: Consumer perspectives on their effectiveness. Faulkner, GP., Livingstone, MBE., Pourshahidi, LK., et al.[2019]

In a study with 43 normal-weight and overweight adults, participants consumed significantly more energy when presented with large food portions compared to standard portions, with an increase of 17% in men and 10% in women over 4 days.

The findings suggest that larger food portions lead to sustained increases in energy intake without participants adjusting their consumption, indicating that portion size may play a crucial role in contributing to excess energy intake and potential weight gain.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Increased portion size leads to a sustained increase in energy intake over 4 d in normal-weight and overweight men and women. Kelly, MT., Wallace, JM., Robson, PJ., et al.[2009]

A study of 118 shift workers revealed that their dietary profiles are influenced by factors like sleep duration and fatigue, with permanent night workers consuming higher levels of saturated fat than recommended.

Overall, shift workers had lower carbohydrate intake than recommended, and those with shorter sleep durations tended to consume more carbohydrates, while increased fatigue was linked to higher fat intake.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Sleep Duration and Chronic Fatigue Are Differently Associated with the Dietary Profile of Shift Workers. Heath, G., Coates, A., Sargent, C., et al.[2022]

After a night of total sleep deprivation, young men showed a 14% increase in portion size choice for both meals and snacks, indicating that sleep loss can lead to overeating regardless of food type.

Increased hunger and higher plasma ghrelin levels (by 13%) were observed after sleep deprivation, suggesting that both biological and psychological factors contribute to larger portion sizes chosen after a lack of sleep.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Acute sleep deprivation increases portion size and affects food choice in young men. Hogenkamp, PS., Nilsson, E., Nilsson, VC., et al.[2022]

Graduate paramedics experienced significant increases in reliance on takeaway foods and unintentional weight gain over two years of rotating shift work, with average weight increasing by 2.96 kg and waist circumference by 5.07 cm.

Despite no overall change in daily energy intake or diet quality scores, the study highlights the need for workplaces to provide healthier food options and support to mitigate the negative health impacts of shift work on diet and body composition.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Effect of Commencing Rotating Shift Work on Diet and Body Composition Changes in Graduate Paramedics: A Longitudinal Mixed Methods Study. Clark, AB., Coates, AM., Choi, T., et al.[2023]

References

1. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effect of sleep restriction on snacking behaviour during a week of simulated shiftwork. [2022]

2. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Relationship between Sleep and Hedonic Appetite in Shift Workers. [2021]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Free-Living Sleep, Food Intake, and Physical Activity in Night and Morning Shift Workers. [2021]

4. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Subjective Hunger, Gastric Upset, and Sleepiness in Response to Altered Meal Timing during Simulated Shiftwork. [2020]

5. Finland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Shift work relationships with same- and subsequent-day empty calorie food and beverage consumption. [2021]

6. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Impact of Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labels on Portion Size Selection: An Experimental Study in a French Cohort. [2022]

7. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Individual differences and moderating participant characteristics in the effect of reducing portion size on meal energy intake: Pooled analysis of three randomized controlled trials. [2023]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of reducing portion size at a compulsory meal on later energy intake, gut hormones, and appetite in overweight adults. [2023]

9. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

An evaluation of portion size estimation aids: Consumer perspectives on their effectiveness. [2019]

10. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Increased portion size leads to a sustained increase in energy intake over 4 d in normal-weight and overweight men and women. [2009]

11. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Sleep Duration and Chronic Fatigue Are Differently Associated with the Dietary Profile of Shift Workers. [2022]

12. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Acute sleep deprivation increases portion size and affects food choice in young men. [2022]

13. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Effect of Commencing Rotating Shift Work on Diet and Body Composition Changes in Graduate Paramedics: A Longitudinal Mixed Methods Study. [2023]