Poster Presentation ESA-SRB-ANZOS 2025 in conjunction with ENSA

The feasibility of overnight time restricted eating in rotating shift workers – a randomised controlled feasibility trial (128574)

Elizabeth A Machan 1 2 , Manjeet Kaur Saggi 1 3 , Camilla M Hoyos 1 3 , Craig Phillips 1 4 5 , Claudia J Harper 1 , Amy Reynolds 6 , Andrew Ng 7 , Christopher J Gordon 1 3
  1. CIRUS Centre for Sleep and Chronobiology, The Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Macquarie Park, NSW, Australia
  2. Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
  3. Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW, Australia
  4. Macquarie Medical School , Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW, Australia
  5. Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW, Australia
  6. College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
  7. Centre for Sleep Disorders & Respiratory Failure, St George Hospital, Kogarah, NSW, Australia

Aims: Shift work disrupts circadian rhythms, contributing to increased rates of obesity and related conditions such as insulin resistance and dyslipidaemia. Eating during night shifts may exacerbate weight gain, yet few interventions address this risk. Time-restricted eating (TRE), which aligns food intake with circadian biology, shows promise for metabolic management. This study aims to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a 7-hour overnight fasting protocol in rotating shift healthcare workers over two weeks, including night shifts. 

Methods: This two-week randomised controlled parallel-arm trial assessed the feasibility of time-restricted eating (TRE) in rotating shift workers, including ≥3 consecutive night shifts. Eligible healthcare professionals (n=30) were randomised to either TRE (eating 06:00–23:00, fasting 23:00–06:00) or control (ad libitum eating). Weekly check-ins monitored adherence and adverse events. Post-intervention, participants completed satisfaction ratings and TRE participants were invited to semi structured interviews to evaluate feasibility. The study was coordinated from Macquarie University and the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, with recruitment from The Sutherland Hospital.

Results: Of 55 pre-screened healthcare workers, 31 (56.4%) met eligibility criteria and were enrolled; 80.6% were female, 83.9% registered nurses, with a mean age of 30.7 years (range 23-55) and BMI of 24.7 kg/m² (range 18.9–37.0). Recruitment spanned 68 days with no refusals post-TRE discussion. Four participants were excluded due to shift schedules or pre-existing fasting and metformin use. Among 16 participants in the TRE group, 81.3% adhered daily to the TRE protocol at the defined compliance threshold (≥13/14 days). No adverse events or dropouts occurred. These findings support the feasibility, acceptability and safety of overnight TRE in rotating shift workers.

Conclusion: We have shown a pragmatic TRE from 23:00-06:00 is feasible and safe intervention for rotating shift healthcare workers. High adherence and absence of adverse events support its acceptability. These data demonstrate feasibility for larger clinical trials.