By InvitationNot Applicable

This Trial Examines How Last Meal Composition and Timing Affect Sleep Quality and Circadian Gene Expression Among Medical Residents. Recruitment Not Yet Started; Study Begins Dec 2025 and Ends Dec 2026.

Jordan90 participantsStarted 2025-12-01

Plain-language summary

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of last meal composition and timing on sleep quality and circadian gene expression among medical residents in Jordanian hospitals. Sleep disturbances are common in this population due to long working hours, high stress, and irregular eating schedules. Chrono-nutrition, the science of aligning food intake with circadian rhythms, may provide a practical approach to improving sleep and overall well-being. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: 1. High-carbohydrate last meal (≈80% of dinner calories from carbohydrates), 2. High-protein last meal (≈40-50% of dinner calories from protein), 3. Control group consuming a balanced standard meal. Each participant will consume the assigned meal 3-4 hours before bedtime for two weeks. Sleep quality will be measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and smartwatch-derived parameters, while salivary samples collected pre- and post-intervention will be analyzed for CLOCK and BMAL1 gene expression. The study will also include dietary, anthropometric, and physical activity assessments. This study has been approved by the Institutional Review Board of the University of Jordan (IRB No. 491/2025). Recruitment has not yet started. Enrollment is expected to begin in December 2025, with primary data collection completed by June 2026 and final study completion by December 2026.

Who can participate

Age range

25 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Currently enrolled and working in Jordanian hospitals. * Not currently following a specific diet or weight-loss program. * Willing to comply with study protocol and intervention meals for two weeks. Provide written informed consent before participation. Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of any chronic medical condition (e.g., diabetes, thyroid disorders, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, or respiratory diseases). * Diagnosed sleep disorders, such as insomnia, sleep apnea, or restless legs syndrome. * Mental health disorders (stress, anxiety, or depression diagnosed or medicated). * Pregnancy or lactation. * Use of medications or herbal supplements known to affect sleep (e.g., melatonin, chamomile, ashwagandha, lavender). * Caffeine dependence exceeding moderate levels ( \>400 mg caffeine/day).

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Change in Sleep Quality (PSQI Global Score)

Timeframe: Baseline and 2 weeks post-intervention

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07339592

SponsorUniversity of Jordan

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-01

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