Deciphering the Interactions Between Food Intake, Sleepiness, and Nighttime Sleep Quality in Patients With Type 1 Narcolepsy and Idiopathic Hypersomnia
This research, called NARCOFOOD, wants to understand the complex links between what you eat, how sleepy you feel, and how well you sleep at night, especially in people with narcolepsy type 1 or idiopathic hypersomnia. We know that healthy people who don't get enough sleep often crave sugary foods, which can lead to weight gain. Interestingly, about half of people with narcolepsy type 1 also struggle with being overweight. This study will compare eating habits, body weight, and sleep patterns in people with narcolepsy type 1, people with idiopathic hypersomnia, and healthy volunteers. By doing this, we hope to discover why obesity is so common in narcolepsy and how food affects sleepiness, paving the way for new ways to support patients.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is called NARCOFOOD, and it's all about understanding the tricky connections between what we eat, how sleepy we feel, and how well we sleep at night. We know that these things are often linked. For example, if healthy people don't get enough sleep, they often feel hungrier and tend to choose sugary foods, which can make them put on weight. On the flip side, eating sugary foods can sometimes make you feel sleepier.
For people with Narcolepsy Type 1, being overweight is quite common, affecting about 30-50% of them. We want to find out why this happens. It might be due to changes in their body's metabolism early in the illness, certain eating habits, or problems with sleep quality at night. Interestingly, people with another condition called Idiopathic Hypersomnia, who often sleep for longer periods and usually have good quality sleep, don't typically have issues with being overweight.
By carefully looking at the eating habits, body weight, and sleep patterns of people with Narcolepsy Type 1, people with Idiopathic Hypersomnia, and healthy individuals, this study hopes to shed light on why weight gain is so common in Narcolepsy. Ultimately, the findings could help us understand how food affects sleepiness in general and might lead to new ideas for treatments or ways to manage these sleep conditions by focusing on diet.
Key takeaways
- This study explores the links between food, sleepiness, and sleep in people with sleep disorders.
- It aims to understand why weight gain is common in Narcolepsy Type 1.
- Participants will monitor their eating habits, sleep, and activity for 4 days at home.
- No new medications are given; the study focuses on observations.
- Findings could help develop new strategies for managing sleep disorders through diet.
- You can withdraw from the study at any point without affecting your care.
Who may be eligible?
To take part in this study, you need to be an adult between 18 and 65 years old. The study is open to both men and women. You could be eligible if you have a confirmed diagnosis of Narcolepsy Type 1, Idiopathic Hypersomnia, or if you are a healthy person who doesn't have a sleep disorder.
There are a few key things that would mean you can't join. For example, if you have severe sleep apnea that isn't being treated, or if you have memory problems that would make it hard to follow the study instructions. Also, if you're taking certain medications, if your health condition isn't stable, or if you're currently pregnant or breastfeeding, this study wouldn't be suitable for you.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you between 18 and 65 years old?
- Do you have Narcolepsy Type 1 or Idiopathic Hypersomnia, or are you a healthy adult without a sleep condition?
- Do you use a smartphone regularly?
- Are you not currently pregnant or breastfeeding?
- Are you able to follow instructions and complete questionnaires?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, expect to visit a sleep centre for an initial check-up. During this visit, we'll collect some information about your health, including your weight and body make-up, and you'll fill out some questionnaires about your sleep, mood, and eating habits. After this, you'll go home for 4 days where you'll wear some small devices and keep a diary. You'll take photos of your meals to track what you eat and a small sensor will measure your sugar levels. You'll also wear a device to monitor your sleep and awake times, and another device called Somfit to record your sleep at night and your sleepiness levels, especially before and after meals. There are no new medications involved in this study; it's all about monitoring your current behaviours and sleep patterns. The total duration of active participation is quite short, mainly focused on those 4 days at home after your initial visit.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (2)
- Unité de Neurophysiologie-sommeil, Département de Neurologie, CHU de Clermont-FerrandVerified postcodeClermont-Ferrand, France· Not yet recruiting
- Center for Sleep Medicine, Hospices Civils de LyonVerified postcodeLyon, France· Recruiting
Common questions
What is the main goal of this study?
The main goal is to understand how food, sleepiness, and sleep quality are connected, especially why people with Narcolepsy Type 1 often gain weight.
Who can take part?
Adults aged 18-65 with Narcolepsy Type 1, Idiopathic Hypersomnia, or healthy adults without sleep problems.
What will I have to do if I join?
You'll have an initial check-up, then for 4 days at home, you'll track your eating with meal photos, wear devices to monitor sleep, activity, and sugar levels, and complete questionnaires.
Will I have to take any new medicines?
No, this study does not involve taking any new medications. It's focused on monitoring your current habits and sleep.
What's the benefit of joining?
While there are no direct benefits to you personally, your participation will help doctors better understand your condition and potentially lead to new treatments in the future.
How to find out more
Laure PETER-DEREX, MD-PhD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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