Biological Rhythms Research Articles

Chrononutrition and Mental Health: Exploring Links Between Eating Patterns Circadian Rhythms and Psychological Well-being

This study investigates the relationship between chrononutrition—timing and patterns of food intake—and mental health, focusing on how circadian rhythms influence psychological well-being. Using a qualitative approach, this literature review synthesizes recent research exploring the connections between eating patterns, biological rhythms, and mental health outcomes, such as anxiety, depression, and overall mood stability. Findings indicate that irregular eating times, late-night meals, and skipping meals disrupt circadian alignment, potentially leading to mood dysregulation and decreased psychological resilience. Conversely, eating in sync with the body’s natural circadian rhythms appears to support mental health, with regular meal timing shown to enhance mood and reduce anxiety symptoms. The review also highlights the importance of specific nutrients in promoting stable circadian cycles, suggesting that diets rich in complex carbohydrates, proteins, and certain vitamins may aid in stabilizing mood. These findings underscore the need for an integrative approach to nutrition and mental health that considers both the timing and composition of meals. This review provides valuable insights into the emerging field of chrononutrition, emphasizing the potential of circadian-aligned eating as a preventive and therapeutic strategy for mental health. Further qualitative studies are recommended to explore individualized chrononutrition interventions and their effects on mental well-being across diverse populations.

Relationship between timing of coffee and tea consumption with mortality (total, cardiovascular disease and diabetes) in people with diabetes: the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2003–2014

BackgroundPrevious observational studies have suggested diabetic patients should synchronize their foods and nutrient intake with their biological rhythm; however, the optimal intake time of coffee and tea for reducing all-cause and disease-specific mortality in diabetes is still unknown. This study aims to examine by investigating the association of timing for coffee and tea consumption with long-term survival in people with diabetes.MethodsA total of 5378 people with diabetes who enrolled in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2003 to 2014 were recruited for this study. Coffee and tea intakes were measured by a 24-h dietary recall, which were divided by different time intervals across the day, including dawn to forenoon, forenoon to noon, noon to evening, and evening to dawn. Weighted cox proportional hazards regression models were developed to evaluate the survival-relationship of coffee and tea consumption with mortality of all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD), stroke, and diabetes.ResultsDuring 47,361 person-year follow up, total 1639 death cases were documented, including 731 CVD deaths, 467 heart disease deaths, 99 stroke deaths, and 462 diabetes deaths. After adjustment for potential confounders, compared with participants without drinking coffee during dawn to forenoon, drinking coffee at this period was associated with increased mortality risk of all-cause (HR 1.25, 95% CI 1.05–1.50), CVD (HR 1.41, 95% CI 1.07–1.86), heart-disease (HR 1.47, 95% CI 1.05–2.07), and diabetes (HR 1.50, 95% CI 1.10–2.04). In contrast, drinking coffee during forenoon to noon had lower mortality risk of all-cause (HR 0.80, 95% CI 0.69–0.92), CVD (HR 0.79, 95% CI 0.63–0.99), and heart disease (HR 0.70, 95% CI 0.52–0.94). Similarly, drinking tea during forenoon to noon had lower risk of CVD mortality (HR = 0.62, 95% CI 0.44–0.87).ConclusionsThis study suggests that drinking coffee in dawn to forenoon is linked to a higher risk of death, but having coffee and tea from forenoon to noon is linked to a lower risk of overall mortality, CVD, and heart disease in individuals with diabetes.Graphical

Artificial Light at Night Advances the Onset of Vocal Activity in Both Male and Female Great Tits During the Breeding Season, While Noise Pollution Has Less Impact and Only in Females

Artificial light at night (ALAN) and noise pollution are two important stressors associated with urbanisation that can have a profound impact on animal behaviour and physiology, potentially disrupting biological rhythms. Although the influence of ALAN and noise pollution on daily activity patterns of songbirds has been clearly demonstrated, studies often focus on males, and the few that examined females have not included the potential influence of males on female activity patterns. Using free-living pairs of great tits (Parus major) as a model, we examined for the first time the effects of ALAN and noise pollution and their interaction on the onset of (vocal) activity in both members of a pair. We focused on the egg-laying phase, when both sexes are most vocally active. The onset of male dawn song, female emergence time from the nest box and the onset of female calling in the nest box were measured and used as a proxy for the chronotype. The repeatabilities for all chronotype proxies were high, with higher repeatabilities for males. Consistent with previous studies, ALAN advanced the onset of male dawn song, while it did not elicit a strong response in female emergence time. Additionally, our results suggest an indirect effect of ALAN on the onset of female vocal activity via acoustic interaction with the male. Noise pollution advanced the emergence time in females, while an interaction between ALAN and noise pollution was found for the onset of female calling. In agreement with previous studies, several covariables were shown to have an influence on the activity onset. Taking several proxies for chronotype into account, this study has provided robust evidence of effects of ALAN on male and female cavity-nesting songbirds during the egg-laying period.

Prevalence of social jetlag and associated factors in Brazilian adolescents: Results from a country-wide cross-sectional study

ObjectivesSocial jetlag is a disturbance in the circadian rhythm caused by a desynchronization between an individual's biological rhythm and social commitments and responsibilities. It leads to sleep debt during the week and compensation on weekends. Social jetlag is associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases and cognitive dysfunction in adolescents. This study aims to assess the prevalence of social jetlag and associated factors in Brazilian adolescents. MethodsAdolescents of both sexes, aged between 12 and 17years, participating in the Study of Cardiovascular Risks in Adolescents (ERICA), were included. The sleep duration on a typical weekday and weekend day was collected through a self-reported questionnaire. The occurrence of social jetlag was defined as the difference between the midpoint of sleep on weekends and weekdays, with differences equal to or higher than 1hour considered as an indicator of positive social jetlag. Factors associated with the prevalence of social jetlag were investigated using Poisson regression models. ResultsThe sample included a total of 64,029 adolescents. Social jetlag affects more than 80% of Brazilian adolescents, with higher prevalence among girls in the age group of 16-17years, with white skin color, attending private schools, and those having morning classes. Additionally, unhealthy risk behaviors such as skipping breakfast, alcohol consumption, and increased screen time are associated with a higher prevalence of social jetlag. ConclusionThe prevalence of social jetlag was high in Brazilian adolescents, and, among its associated factors, studying in the morning shift and engaging in unhealthy risk behaviors stand out.

Clocks at a snail pace: biological rhythms in terrestrial gastropods.

Biological rhythms are ubiquitous across the tree of life. Organisms must allocate their activities into moments of the day and of the season that will increase their probability of surviving and reproducing, which is done in the form of daily and annual rhythms. So far, the vast majority of studies on biological rhythms have focused on classical laboratory model species. Still, the use of non-model species is gaining traction, as part of an effort to achieve a more holistic understanding of clock/calendar mechanisms in the "real world" but this requires species that can be studied in both the lab and in nature. Terrestrial gastropods, i.e., land snails and slugs, have the potential to be exciting models for the study of biological rhythms in nature. Therefore, we provide a review of the research on biological rhythms in terrestrial gastropods, with a focus on ecology and evolution. We present the state of the art in the field while giving a historical perspective of the studies, exploring each of the main lineages of terrestrial gastropods. We also point out some interesting directions that future studies could take to fill some of the more urgent gaps in current knowledge. We hope that our contribution will renew interest in this area and spark novel projects.

Eating jetlag and risk of cardiovascular disease: prospective study of the NutriNet-Santé cohort

Abstract Background Social jetlag corresponds to the misalignment between biological circadian rhythms and the social rhythm imposed by society, resulting in discrepant activity/sleep schedules during work and free days. It has been associated with worsened biological parameters such as BMI or glycemic control. Eating jetlag is a related yet emerging concept defined as the difference of meal timing between free and work days. However, it has been little explored. This study aims to evaluate the association between eating jetlag and the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Methods Dietary, anthropometric, socio-demographic and health data of 104,837 participants (79% women, mean age=42.7 years (14.6 SD)) were collected from the NutriNet-Santé cohort. Eating jetlag was calculated using time of first and last meals on weekdays and weekends, from repeated 24 dietary records, averaged during the 2 first years. It was assessed as a continuous variable or as 3 categories: ‘Advance’, ‘Maintenance’, ‘Delay’, compared to work days. CVD was self-reported and validated against medical records. The associations between eating jetlag and CVD risk were assessed through adjusted Cox models. Results During a median follow-up time of 8.1 years, 2,368 CVD cases were diagnosed. Eating jetlag showed a U-shaped association with CVD risk (HR Advance vs. Maintenance=1.05(95% CI: 0.87-1.26); HR Delay vs. Maintenance=1.08(0.96-1.21)). When the absolute value of eating jetlag was considered, there was a linear association with CVD risk (HR per 1-hour increase=1.05(1.00-1.12)). These linear trends were confirmed in categorial models (Low: ≤1h; Moderate: 1h< to ≤ 2h; High: >2h): HR Moderate vs. Low=1.05(0.94-1.18), and HR High vs. Low=1.13(0.94-1.37); however, statistical significance was not reached. Conclusions Our results suggest a potential role for meal timing regularity between free and work days in CVD etiology. They need to be replicated in other studies and mechanisms are yet to be fully understood. Key messages • Adopting regular meal timing schemes on work and free days could be associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases. • Meal regularity between work and free days could play a role in cardiovascular health and should be further investigated.

Timing Mechanisms for Circadian Seizures

For centuries, epileptic seizures have been noticed to recur with temporal regularity, suggesting that an underlying biological rhythm may play a crucial role in their timing. In this review, we propose to adopt the framework of chronobiology to study the circadian timing of seizures. We first review observations made on seizure timing in patients with epilepsy and animal models of the disorder. We then present the existing chronobiology paradigm to disentangle intertwined circadian and sleep–wake timing mechanisms. In the light of this framework, we review the existing evidence for specific timing mechanisms in specific epilepsy syndromes and highlight that current knowledge is far from sufficient. We propose that individual seizure chronotypes may result from an interplay between independent timing mechanisms. We conclude with a research agenda to help solve the urgency of ticking seizures.

Obituary for Prof. Wop Rietveld (09.11.1937–06.06.2024)

ABSTRACT Obituary for Prof. Wop Rietveld (09.11.1937–06.06.2024), the editor-in-chief of Biological Rhythm Research.

The clock-associated LUX ARRHYTHMO regulates high-affinity nitrate transport in Arabidopsis roots.

The circadian clock organizes physiological processes in plants to occur at specific times of the day, optimizing efficient use of resources. Nitrate is a crucial inorganic nitrogen source for agricultural systems to sustain crop productivity. However, because nitrate fertilization has a negative impact on the environment, it is important to carefully manage nitrate levels. Understanding crop biological rhythms can lead to more ecologically friendly agricultural practices. Gating responses through the circadian clock could be a strategy to enhance root nitrate uptake and to limit nitrate runoff. In Arabidopsis, the NITRATE TRANSPORTER 2.1 (NRT2.1) gene encodes a key component of the high-affinity nitrate transporter system. Our study reveals that NRT2.1 exhibits a rhythmic expression pattern, with daytime increases and nighttime decreases. The NRT2.1 promoter activity remains rhythmic under constant light, indicating a circadian regulation. The clock-associated transcription factor LUX ARRHYTHMO (LUX) binds to the NRT2.1 promoter in vivo. Loss-of-function of LUX leads to increased NRT2.1 transcript levels and root nitrate uptake at dusk. This supports LUX acting as a transcriptional repressor and modulating NRT2.1 expression in a time-dependent manner. Furthermore, applying nitrate at different times of the day results in varying magnitudes of the transcriptional response in nitrate-regulated genes. We also demonstrate that a defect in the high-affinity nitrate transport system feeds back to the central oscillator by modifying the LUX promoter activity. In conclusion, this study uncovers a molecular pathway connecting the root nitrate uptake and circadian clock, with potential agro-chronobiological applications.

We prefer nighttime, they prefer daytime: Biological rhythm variability in cave‐dwelling whip spiders (Amblypygi: Charontidae) in the Neotropics

AbstractThe lack of understanding regarding how endogenous and behavioral factors affect the biological rhythms of amblypygid arachnids in cave environments underscores a gap in chronobiologic knowledge for this group. This study investigates the influence of specialization on subterranean habitats and the presence of biological rhythms on the locomotor activity patterns of the troglobitic and troglophilic species of the genus Charinus. Specimens collected from carbonate caves in Brazil were subjected to experimental treatments of constant light (LL), constant darkness (DD), and light–dark cycles (LD). The results revealed variations in the distribution of main periods among species, without a uniform pattern. Although some specimens showed greater variability in activity patterns in the DD and LL treatments, no significant differences were observed between troglobites and troglophiles. The lack of a clear distinction in rhythms between the two groups suggests the dynamic nature of circadian rhythms in these populations, where individual variations in activity patterns indicate this behavioral diversity. Additionally, intraspecific competition for food resources, probably intensified by the oligotrophic conditions of the cave environments, may play an important role in shaping these patterns and differences in activity phases. The presence of infradian rhythms and weak circadian rhythms in some individuals underscores the importance of considering non‐photic zeitgebers for a deeper understanding of these rhythms in cave organisms.

The chronobiology of human heart failure: clinical implications and therapeutic opportunities.

Circadian variation in cardiovascular and metabolic dynamics arises from interactions between intrinsic rhythms and extrinsic cues. By anticipating and accommodating adaptation to awakening and activity, their synthesis maintains homeostasis and maximizes efficiency, flexibility, and resilience. The dyssynchrony of cardiovascular load and energetic capacity arising from attenuation or loss of such rhythms is strongly associated with incident heart failure (HF). Once established, molecular, neurohormonal, and metabolic rhythms are frequently misaligned with each other and with extrinsic cycles, contributing to HF progression and adverse outcomes. Realignment of biological rhythms via lifestyle interventions, chronotherapy, and time-tailored autonomic modulation represents an appealing potential strategy for improving HF-related morbidity and mortality.

Sex-specific expression of circadian rhythms enables allochronic speciation

Abstract Noctuid moths provide prime examples of species in various stages of allochronic speciation, where reproductive barriers are mediated by genetic divergence in daily or seasonal timing. Theory indicates that allochronic divergence might be one of the most plausible mechanisms of adaptive speciation, especially when timing is subject to divergent ecological selection. Here, we show that the validity of this theoretical expectation is entirely contingent on species characteristics of the mating system. Our analysis focuses on the moth Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae), which occurs as two strains that differ in circadian reproductive activity. Unlike in generic models of assortative mating, where chronotypes diverge under mild assumptions, individual-based evolutionary simulations of the mating system and life cycle of S. frugiperda fail to recover allochronic diversification, even under conditions highly conducive to speciation. Instead, we observe that both chronotypes advance their activity schedule toward the early night, resulting in a rapid loss of allochronic variation. This outcome is caused by the fact that mating in S. frugiperda takes considerable time and potential mates are encountered sequentially, so that early males enjoy a systematic advantage. The undermining effect of male mate competition can be overcome when circadian genes evolve sex-specific expression, enabling early and late chronotypes to be maintained or even to diversify in sympatry. These results give new significance to sex differences in biological rhythms and suggest that species characteristics of the mating system and genetic architecture are key to understanding the scope for allochronic speciation across diverse species exhibiting variation in timing.

8267 A Case of Pineal Gland Cyst and Adrenal Adenoma- Is this a New Syndrome?

Abstract Disclosure: M. Siddiqui: None. U. Rafat: None. S. Shaik: None. J.L. Gilden: None. Background: The Pineal Gland receives information through a complex multi-neuronal pathway and is responsible for the secretion of melatonin, a hormone regulated by circadian rhythm and suppressed by light stimuli. Melatonin is involved in biological rhythms and regulates immunomodulation, temperature homeostasis and maturation of hypothalamic-pituitary and gonadal axis, and can also modulate thyroid, prolactin, growth hormone, cortisol, and ACTH activity. Other effects include downregulation of thyroid activity. In addition, studies have shown that pineal body extracts can cause a minor increase in the zona glomerulosa and fasciculata of the adrenal gland. Case: A 54-year-old male with recurrent nephrolithiasis, obstructive sleep apnea and chronic rhinosinusitis, first presented to Endocrinology Clinic in 2018 for evaluation of an incidental adrenal adenoma (CT abdomen -2.8 cm, less than 10 Hounsfield units, left sided lipid rich adrenal adenoma). He had new onset erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, and fatigue. Initial lab work including LH, FSH, TSH, midnight salivary cortisol, ACTH, plasma cortisol AM, free and total testosterone, aldosterone, plasma and urine metanephrines/normetanephrines were all normal. MRI brain-1 cm thin-walled pineal cyst with internal characteristics compatible with proteinaceous benign pineal cyst. He was then lost to follow-up for 5 yrs due to the COVID pandemic. He had tried taking “testosterone protein builders”, but his symptoms remained. In addition, he now has twice weekly dull occipital headaches, relieved by ibuprofen. Lab tests-elevation in 1of 2 MN salivary cortisol samples at 0.58 mcg/dL (nl≤0.09), ACTH 12pg/mL(0-47), IGF1 261 ng/mL(50-317), and low total testosterone 222 ng/dl (250-1100) Free testosterone 36 pg/mL(35-155), borderline low TSH 0.386 µIU/ml(0.55-4.78), Free T3 and Free T4 were normal, thyroid antibodies-negative . Rest of the hormone evaluation was otherwise normal, LH 4.90 mIU/mL(1.5-9.3), FSH 11.10 mIU/mL (1.4-18.1), Prolactin 6.8 ng/mL(2.1-17.7). Thyroid Ultrasound-homogeneous echogenicity of the thyroid gland without discrete thyroid nodules. Repeat MRI brain- benign pineal cyst which was stable with no midline shift or mass effect. Repeat CT adrenal gland-lipid rich adrenal adenoma slightly reduced in size from 2.8 to 2.4 cm. Lab tests returned to normal one month later. Conclusion: Although it is unclear whether there is an exact association between this patient’s pineal cyst and adrenal adenoma, there have been intermittent hormonal abnormalities and symptoms consistent with hypogonadism and/or adrenal, also possibly related to the pineal abnormality. Although more research needs to be conducted explaining the relationship between the pineal and pituitary, and the adrenal gland, this clinical case suggests that there may be a relationship between these two abnormalities and symptoms. Presentation: 6/2/2024

Nighttime-specific differential gene expression in suprachiasmatic nucleus and habenula is associated with resilience to chronic social stress

The molecular mechanisms that link stress and biological rhythms still remain unclear. The habenula (Hb) is a key brain region involved in regulating diverse types of emotion-related behaviours while the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is the body’s central clock. To investigate the effects of chronic social stress on transcription patterns, we performed gene expression analysis in the Hb and SCN of stress-naïve and stress-exposed mice. Our analysis revealed a large number of differentially expressed genes and enrichment of synaptic and cell signalling pathways between resilient and stress-naïve mice at zeitgeber 16 (ZT16) in both the Hb and SCN. This transcriptomic signature was nighttime-specific and observed only in stress-resilient mice. In contrast, there were relatively few differences between the stress-susceptible and stress-naïve groups across time points. Our results reinforce the functional link between circadian gene expression patterns and differential responses to stress, thereby highlighting the importance of temporal expression patterns in homoeostatic stress responses.

Diminished circadian and ultradian rhythms of human brain activity in pathological tissue in vivo

Chronobiological rhythms, such as the circadian rhythm, have long been linked to neurological disorders, but it is currently unknown how pathological processes affect the expression of biological rhythms in the brain. Here, we use the unique opportunity of long-term, continuous intracranially recorded EEG from 38 patients (totalling 6338 hours) to delineate circadian (daily) and ultradian (minute to hourly) rhythms in different brain regions. We show that functional circadian and ultradian rhythms are diminished in pathological tissue, independent of regional variations. We further demonstrate that these diminished rhythms are persistent in time, regardless of load or occurrence of pathological events. These findings provide evidence that brain pathology is functionally associated with persistently diminished chronobiological rhythms in vivo in humans, independent of regional variations or pathological events. Future work interacting with, and restoring, these modulatory chronobiological rhythms may allow for novel therapies.

Association Between Social Jetlag and Components of Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

A mismatch between biological and social time, often referred to as social jetlag (SJL), can lead to inadequate sleep and activities or taking meals at times that do not align with our biological rhythms, increasing the risk of metabolic abnormalities. Although the association between sleep and metabolic syndrome (MetS) is well established, the effects of SJL on MetS and the components of MetS in adults remain unclear. This study was designed to explore the relationship between SJL and MetS components in adults. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted on studies registered in PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Embase between the inception of each database until November 15, 2023. We focused on studies designed to evaluate the relationship between SJL and either MetS or its components. Only studies using cross-sectional, prospective, or retrospective designs were considered for inclusion. The relationship between SJL and MetS was depicted as an odds ratio with a corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). We determined the mean differences and 95% CIs to estimate the associations between SJL and MetS components. The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist was used to evaluate the methodological rigor of the selected studies. Data were analyzed using RevMan software Version 5.4. The systematic review included 16 studies, with five analyzed via a meta-analysis covering four outcomes, each based on two to three studies. When comparing SJL of less than 1 hour with SJL of 2 hours or more, the latter showed a higher likelihood of MetS (pooled odds ratio: 1.52). Although a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure (pooled mean differences = -3.52 mmHg, 95% CI [-6.41, -0.64]) and a significant increase in waist circumference (pooled mean differences = 2.17 cm, 95% CI [0.61, 3.73]) were observed, the correlation between SJL and diastolic blood pressure failed to reach statistical significance. The meta-analysis conducted in this study found an association between SJL and MetS. Healthcare practitioners should prioritize the management of sleep quality and duration, especially for individuals exhibiting substantial SJL. Improving sleep can aid in controlling blood pressure and managing weight and should form part of MetS management strategies.

Melatonin in the Regulation of Sleep and Biological Rhythms

Melatonin in the Regulation of Sleep and Biological Rhythms

The influence of melatonin on the functional state of the human body during desynchronosis

In the article the mechanisms of melatonin action in the human body, exploring its impact on circadian rhythms, sleep, the immune system, and overall physiological function were considered. A focal point is the use of melatonin as a pharmacological tool to address dyssynchrony, particularly in students facing new time zones or geographic latitude changes. The study aims to understand melatonin's potential influence on regulating biological rhythms and the general physiological state in such scenarios. It scrutinizes how melatonin affects circadian rhythms, sleep, activity, and overall physiological balance during disruptions in biorhythmic synchronization. Recent studies were analyzed, revealing promising prospects for melatonin in regulating desynchronization and maintaining human health amid altered biological rhythms. Findings indicated that students in the experimental group, who took melatonin, experienced enhanced academic performance, increased work capacity, and improved mood. That underscored melatonin's positive impact on the functional state of the human body, even in the presence of desynchronosis. A study involving 100 students identified changes in circadian rhythms contributing to seasonal depression, with daily melatonin tablets proving effective in alleviating desynchronization symptoms. The article furnishes vital scientific data and practical recommendations, catering to professionals in biomedicine, biology, and pharmacology, as well as individuals keen on understanding human health and biological rhythms.

Chrono-Nutrition: Understanding the Interplay Between Circadian Rhythms and Personalized Nutrition

Chrono-nutrition, a concept emerging from the integration of chronobiology and nutrition sciences, investigates the timing of food intake in alignment with the body’s circadian rhythms. This interplay between dietary patterns and biological rhythms has garnered significant attention in recent years due to its potential implications for health and disease. In this comprehensive review, we explore the key findings from studies in the last decade on chrono-nutrition, focusing on its role in cardiovascular health, diabetes management, glucose metabolism, and the influence of sex, socioeconomic factors, and cultural diversity. The intricate dance between the molecular circadian clock and the gut microbiome is a fascinating area of study in modern biology. Both systems are integral to the regulation of metabolic processes, responding to dietary inputs and environmental cues to optimize the host’s adaptability and survival. This review delves into the dynamic interplay between circadian rhythms and the gut microbiome, exploring their mutual influence and the implications for human health.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices for Occurrence of Weight Gain Among the Night Shift Working Professionals in Maharashtra, India: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Introduction: The biological clock or circadian rhythm of an organism is a set of regular oscillations. Working at night or on night shifts disrupts the circadian rhythm. When the circadian rhythm is disrupted, concentrations of adiponectin and leptin (satiety hormones) rise at night, leading to overeating and fat gain, while lack of sleep elevates ghrelin levels of the hunger hormone. Thus, the current study sought to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and practices about the dietary and lifestyle factors amongst night-shift working professionals and to assess the influence of knowledge and attitudes on their practices. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among individuals working night shifts in Maharashtra. A pre-tested questionnaire consisting of questions related to their knowledge, diet, and lifestyle was recorded and scored. Results: Among the 206 participants, a maximum of them were male (57.1%). Approximately 72.8% of respondents were quite young (25-30 years) and had been working the night shift for a period of 9-12 months. The majority (76.6%) of respondents had no medical conditions. Many (42.7%) of the night-shift working professionals were found to be obese. Significance was observed between knowledge and attitude among the overweight BMI category. Conclusion: The participants had good knowledge in terms of dietary habits and lifestyle-related factors. However, this was not reflected in their attitudes and practices. Therefore, interventional research targeting attitudes and behaviors is required to improve behavioral patterns among overweight/ obese people.