Fasting trials report mixed sleep findings
Most sleep outcomes showed no detected differences. Some comparisons showed higher sleep-latency scores, longer times to fall asleep or more time in bed.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
In adults with overweight or obesity, most sleep measures showed no detected differences between eating patterns. Alternate-day fasting had higher sleep-latency scores in some comparisons. Time-restricted eating showed longer times to fall asleep or more time in bed, depending on the comparator. These mixed findings do not establish that intermittent fasting improves sleep or that the diets are equivalent.
The trials were small and used varied protocols. The abstract omits units for time estimates and reports no significant differences in sleep-quality components, yet also describes differences in a sleep-latency score.
The primary question
The main planned outcome was an overall sleep-quality score from the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The abstract does not clearly report that overall score, which limits interpretation of the primary outcome.
Comparators matter
Alternate-day fasting had higher sleep-latency scores than continuous calorie restriction and usual diet. Time-restricted eating showed more time in bed versus usual diet and longer sleep-onset time versus continuous restriction.
The original publication
The effect of intermittent fasting on sleep in adults with overweight or obesity: a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Zhang H, Zhou K, Song G
Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis · 2026
- PubMed ID
- 41076324
- Record checked
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