Study Finds No Effect of Time-Restricted Eating on Sleep, Mood, or Quality of Life

Recent research indicates that time-restricted eating (TRE), a dietary approach where individuals limit their food intake to specific time windows, does not significantly influence sleep quality, mood, or overall quality of life in adults with overweight or obesity. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, analyzed over 197 participants aged 30 to 60 years, who were assigned to various TRE schedules—early, late, or self-selected—alongside a control group practicing a standard Mediterranean diet.

The findings showed no notable differences between the groups concerning sleep patterns, psychological well-being, or life satisfaction. This suggests that TRE, regardless of the timing of the eating window, is a well-tolerated strategy that can be adopted to manage body weight without adverse effects on mental health or sleep. Researchers emphasize that TRE might be a feasible and safe option for people seeking weight management strategies without compromising their sleep or mood.

The study was a secondary analysis of a larger clinical trial and was conducted by scientists including Antonio Clavero-Jimeno from the University of Granada in Spain. Participants were divided into groups, with some following an early eating window, others a late window, and some choosing their own hours, all alongside a Mediterranean diet education program.

Overall, the research supports the idea that time-restricted eating can be incorporated into weight management plans without negatively impacting psychological or sleep health, making it a practical option for overweight and obese individuals.

For further details, see the original study: Antonio Clavero-Jimeno et al, "Time-Restricted Eating and Sleep, Mood, and Quality of Life in Adults With Overweight or Obesity," JAMA Network Open, 2025.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-restricted-impact-mood-quality-life.html