Shiftworkers report eating during the night when the body is primed to sleep. This study investigated the impact of altering food timing on subjective responses. Healthy participants (n = 44, 26 male, age Mean ± SD = 25.0 ± 2.9 years, BMI = 23.82 ± 2.59kg/m2) participated in a 7-day simulated shiftwork protocol. Participants were randomly allocated to one of three eating conditions. At 00:30, participants consumed a meal comprising 30% of 24 h energy intake (Meal condition; n = 14, 8 males), a snack comprising 10% of 24 h energy intake (Snack condition; n = 14; 8 males) or did not eat during the night (No Eating condition; n = 16, 10 males). Total 24 h individual energy intake and macronutrient content was constant across conditions. During the night, participants reported hunger, gut reaction, and sleepiness levels at 21:00, 23:30, 2:30, and 5:00. Mixed model analyses revealed that the snack condition reported significantly more hunger than the meal group (p < 0.001) with the no eating at night group reporting the greatest hunger (p < 0.001). There was no difference in desire to eat between meal and snack groups. Participants reported less sleepiness after the snack compared to after the meal (p < 0.001) or when not eating during the night (p < 0.001). Gastric upset did not differ between conditions. A snack during the nightshift could alleviate hunger during the nightshift without causing fullness or increased sleepiness.
Purpose:
Cancer survivors often make long-term dietary changes, and nutrition is important for survivorship outcomes. Many survivors experience persisting cognitive difficulties, which can impact health behaviors. This study aimed to identify perceived drivers of eating habit changes, and the barriers to making intentional dietary changes, among breast cancer survivors with persisting self-reported cancer-related cognitive impairment.
Materials and Methods:
A qualitative framework explored survivors' perceptions of dietary habit changes. Thirteen Australian breast cancer survivors (M.time since diagnosis: 23.6 months, standard deviation [SD] 15.3; M.time since completing primary treatment: 14.7 months, SD 15.3) completed semistructured interviews. Questions related to dietary changes since diagnosis and treatment. Major themes were identified from interview transcripts using thematic analysis.
Results:
While most individuals perceived their diet to be broadly similar to prediagnosis, several changes to diet and eating habits were identified, which were often meaningful to these survivors. Themes relating to survivors' eating habit changes included the following: (1) meal timing and frequency shifts, (2) more plant-based eating, and (3) less variety and more convenience. Changes in eating habits were attributed to the following: (1) persisting treatment-related changes, (2) help and support from others, (3) old treatment habits, (4) preventative health and self-care, and (5) changes to work schedule. Barriers to making intentional dietary changes included the following: (1) too much time and effort, (2) food cravings and enjoyment, and (3) lacking dietary ideas and resources.
Conclusions:
Many survivors reported long-term changes in dietary habits, some of which align with current recommendations. Causes of dietary habit changes, and barriers to engaging in healthier dietary habits, involved multiple biopsychosocial elements. Additional resources or strategies that assist navigating survivorship challenges and their effects on dietary habits are needed. Future studies should explore whether post-treatment nutritional review with a qualified dietary health professional is helpful for survivors who experience long-term cancer-related cognitive impairment.
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