Role of Photic and Non-photic Time Cues in Resetting Circadian Rhythms

The objective of this proposal is to construct and compare PRCs describing the relationship between the timing of light exposure and meals across the 24-hour day and the size and direction of shift in circadian rhythms of circulating lipids and melatonin in humans. Completion of the work will provide mechanistic insight on the role of photic and non-photic cues mediating entrainment of circadian rhythms in humans besides that of melatonin. In this proposal, we will use the same experimental paradigm that we have successfully used previously to characterize and compare PRCs for shifts in melatonin in response to light exposure of different durations and spectra, and as used in our pilot trials demonstrating a robust PRC of lipid circadian rhythms in response to combined photic and non-photic stimuli across the day. We will achieve our objective using a randomized controlled trial in young healthy adults (n=48, 18-30 years) that systematically manipulates the timing of 6.5-hour bright light exposure and 6.5-hour time restricted eating across the 24-hour circadian cycle to specifically:

Aim 1: Determine if light is the primary time cue for resetting melatonin but not lipid circadian rhythms. Hypothesis: The resetting response of circadian rhythms in melatonin but not cholesterol and triglycerides is dependent upon the circadian phase at which a 6.5-hour bright light exposure occurs.

Aim 2: Determine if meal timing is the primary time cue for resetting lipid but not melatonin circadian rhythms. Hypothesis: The resetting response of circadian rhythms in cholesterol and triglycerides but not melatonin is dependent upon the circadian phase at which a 6.5-hour time restricted eating occurs.

Aim 3 (Exploratory): Evaluate the acute effects of eating across the 24-hour day on circulating lipid levels. Hypothesis: The acute effects of 6.5-hour time restricted eating on circulating cholesterol and triglycerides levels are dependent on the circadian phase at which meals are eaten.

Inclusion criteria

• Aged between 18-30 years
• Healthy (no medical, psychiatric or sleep disorders;
• Non-smoking for at least 6 months;
• Body Mass Index of >18 or <30 kg/m2;
• Able to maintain 8-hour consistent sleep schedule during the study
• Able to refrain from caffeine, alcohol, medication and supplements during the study

Exclusion criteria

• History of alcohol or substance abuse;
• Positive result on drugs of abuse urine toxicology;
• Current or past history of sleep disorders, including but not limited to obstructive sleep apnea, narcolepsy, insomnia, or any significant sleep complaint
• Psychiatric disorder, or first degree relative with a psychiatric disorder
• Recent acute or chronic medical disorder
• Use of drugs or medication (birth control OK) likely to affect sleep, alertness or light sensitivity, as determined by the investigators
• Visual disorder, including but not limited to color blindness, or family history of glaucoma
• Pregnancy or lactation
• Shift work (past 3 years)
• Transmeridian travel (2 or more time zones) in the past 3 months
• Any other reason as determine by the Principal Investigator