Circadian Preference Research Articles

The Relationship between Anxiety, Subjective and Objective Sleep, Chronotype and Circadian Rhythms with Depressive Symptoms in Insomnia Disorder.

Insomnia is a highly prevalent sleep disorder with strong bidirectional associations with depressive symptoms. The circadian preference for eveningness has been shown to be associated with depressive symptoms in insomnia and other mental health conditions. However, there is a lack of studies in insomnia investigating whether objective measures, such as dim light melatonin onset (DLMO) or polysomnographic (PSG) sleep, are associated with depressive symptoms. Therefore, we investigated the associations between subjective measures (questionnaires assessing anxiety, sleep quality and circadian preference, and sleep diary) and depressive symptoms and whether the addition of objective measures (DLMO, PSG parameters) would strengthen the associations with depressive symptoms. In 115 insomnia disorder patients we found that anxiety was strongly associated with depressive symptoms in a model including circadian preference, dysfunctional beliefs of sleep, and self-reported previous depressive symptoms (R2 = 0.496, p < 0.001). The addition of sleep diary measures did not strengthen the model. We also found that the addition of objective measures (DLMO, PSG parameters) did not improve the subjective associations with depressive symptoms. Our data suggest that objective circadian markers are less important in the prediction of depressive symptoms in insomnia compared to subjective measures.

Later school start time is associated with longer school day sleep duration and less social jetlag among Norwegian high school students: Results from a large-scale, cross-sectional study.

The present study explored the associations between school start time and sleep habits among older adolescents, and whether these associations depended on circadian preference. The sample comprised 4010 high school students aged 16-17 years who completed a web-based survey on habitual school start time, sleep, and health. The survey included the Munich ChronoType Questionnaire, and the short version of the Horne-Östberg Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire. Students were categorised according to habitual school start time (before 08:00 hours, 08:00 hours, 08:15 hours, 08:30 hours or after 08:30 hours) and circadian preference (morning, intermediate or evening). Data were analysed using two-way analyses of variance (school start time × circadian preference) and linear regression analyses. Results showed an overall effect of school start time on school day sleep duration (main effect, p < 0.001), with the latest school starters having the longest, and the earliest school starters having the shortest sleep duration (7:03 hr versus 6:16 hr; Tukey HSD p < 0.001). Similarly, later school starters generally reported shorter social jetlag and later school day wake-up times than earlier starting students (both main effect p < 0.001). Circadian preference did not modify these associations (interaction effects p > 0.05). In the crude regression analysis, 15 min later school start was associated with 7.2min more sleep (p < 0.001). School start time remained a significant predictor of school day sleep duration when adjusted for sex, parental educational level and circadian preference (p < 0.001). Results suggest that school start time is a significant predictor of school day sleep duration among adolescents.

The association between self-reported sleep problems, infection, and antibiotic use in patients in general practice.

There is emerging evidence that sleep problems and short sleep duration increase the risk of infection. We aimed to assess whether chronic insomnia disorder, chronic sleep problems, sleep duration and circadian preference based on self-report were associated with risk of infections and antibiotic use among patients visiting their general practitioner (GP). We conducted a cross-sectional study of 1,848 unselected patients in Norway visiting their GP during 2020.The patients completed a one-page questionnaire while waiting for the consultation, that included the validated Bergen Insomnia Scale (BIS), questions on self-assessed sleep problem, sleep duration and circadian preference and whether they have had any infections or used antibiotics in the last 3 months. Relative risks (RR) were estimated using modified Poisson regression models. The risk of infection was 27% (95% CI RR 1.11-1.46) and 44% higher (95% CI 1.12-1.84) in patients sleeping < 6 h and >9 h, respectively, compared to those sleeping 7-8 h. The risk was also increased in patients with chronic insomnia disorder or a chronic sleep problem. For antibiotic use, the risk was higher for patients sleeping < 6 h, and for those with chronic insomnia disorder or a chronic sleep problem. Among patients visiting their GP, short sleep duration, chronic insomnia and chronic sleep problem based on self-report were associated with higher prevalence of infection and antibiotic use. These findings support the notion of a strong association between sleep and infection.

Associations Between Chronotype, Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet, and Attitude to Healthy Nutrition

Background. Chronotype is the attitude of a subject in determining the individual circadian preference in behavioral and biological rhythm associated with eating behaviors and health.&#x0D; Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the associations between chronotype, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and attitudes to healthy nutrition in Turkish adults.&#x0D; Methods. A survey was conducted online using online platforms. A total of 1,197 volunteers between 18-65 years of age participated in our study. Participants’ adherence to the Mediterranean diet was assessed using the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS); their healthy eating attitude and chronotype were assessed using the Attitude Scale for Healthy Nutrition (ASHN) and the Morning-Evening Questionnaire (MEQ), respectively.&#x0D; Results. Most of the participants were classified as those with an intermediate chronotype. More than half of evening-type participants and nearly half of intermediate-type participants had poor Mediterranean diet adherence. In addition, the percentages of individuals with morning and evening chronotypes in the very low and moderate classification ranges were similar and lower than the percentages of those with an intermediate chronotype. Linear regression analysis revealed that participants with higher MEQ values had higher ASHN and MEDAS scores and a lower body mass index as compared to those with lower MEQ values.&#x0D; Conclusions. Chronotype was associated with Mediterranean diet adherence and healthy eating attitude. In particular, morning-type subjects showed higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet than intermediate- and evening-type subjects.

Sleep disorders in patients with a first psychotic episode: a case-control study

Introduction Patients with chronic schizophrenia experience significant disturbances in the quality and quantity of their sleep and it had been mainly attributed to severity of symptoms and antipsychotic use. Recent studies suggested that antipsychotic-naïve early course patients with schizophrenia and their non-psychotic first-degree relatives also show altered sleep quality. Objectives In this study we aimed to compare sleep parameters in antipsychotic-naive first-episode schizophrenia patients to their healthy siblings and age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive case-control study in the Psychiatry « G » department at Razi Hospital, for a period of six months. Our sample consisted of three groups: a group of schizophrenic patients, a group of their healthy siblings and a group of healthy controls. The three groups were matched by age and sex. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) was used to assess the severity of symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. The Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQr), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used in the three groups to assess Circadian preference, daytime sleepiness and sleep quality. Results There was no significant difference between the groups regarding the chronotype. Patients had significantly higher daytime sleepiness compared to siblings (p=0.001) and controls (p&lt;0.001). Patients also had poorer quality sleep (PSQI total score) than siblings (p&lt;0.001) and controls (p&lt;0.001), longer sleep latency than siblings (p=0.003) and controls (p&lt;0.001); lower habitual sleep efficiency than siblings (p=0.003) and controls (p&lt;0.001). Siblings had poorer sleep quality (p=0.001), longer sleep latency (p=0.006) and shorter sleep duration (p=0.033) compared to control subjects. Conclusions Our results joined those of the literature concerning the significant prevalence of sleep disorders in early psychosis. In addition, the alteration of sleep quality in unaffected siblings compared to healthy controls supports the hypotheses suggested in the literature that sleep disorders may be markers of genetic susceptibility to schizophrenia and serve as a potential endophenotype of the disease. Disclosure of Interest None Declared

Associations Between Multidimensional Sleep Health Parameters and Adolescents' Self-reported Light Exposure in the Free-living Environment.

The objective of this study was to characterize the associations between light exposure in the free-living environment and multiple dimensions of sleep health of typically developing adolescents. Fifty-six (29 girls, 27 boys) typically developing adolescents (mean age = 13.59, SD = 0.89, range = 12-17 years) participated. For six consecutive nights, sleep was assessed in the home environment using actigraphy. During the same period, participants were asked to fill out a daily sleep log and a daily light exposure log, and to complete questionnaires regarding their alertness and subjective sleep satisfaction. Longer self-reported exposure to daylight in the morning was associated with longer objectively measured sleep duration. Longer self-reported exposures to electronic devices in the evening were associated with later objectively measured sleep onset and offset times, shorter sleep duration, and greater day-to-day sleep variability. Longer morning exposure to outdoor light was associated with a longer sleep duration. Self-reported light exposure was not associated with sleep satisfaction, alertness/sleepiness, or sleep efficiency. Among the covariates, circadian preference accounted for the highest percentage of variance. Adolescents' sleep health is associated with the self-reported duration of exposure to daylight in the morning and to electronic devices in the evening.

The effect of brain-derived neurotrophic factor Val66Met polymorphism on adolescent activity and rest rhythms, circadian preferences and attentional performance

BackgroundVariations in circadian regulating mechanisms generate different individual preferences in respect of sleep and activity timing, which are known as chronotypes. In this sense, specifically during adolescence, there is a greater tendency for an eveningness chronotype. One factor that has been shown to have an impact on circadian rhythm patterns, as well as on some aspects of cognitive function, is the relatively common Val66Met (rs6265) polymorphism in the human brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene. ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the effect of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism on the performance of adolescents in attentional tests, circadian preferences and activity-rest rhythm. Methods85 healthy high school students completed the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire to assess their circadian preferences; were evaluated using the Psychological Battery for Attention Assessment; and were categorized as carriers and non-carriers of the rs6265 polymorphism using the TaqMan rt-PCR technique. A subsample of 42 students had their activity/rest rhythm recorded by actigraphy for nine days from which sleep parameters were estimated. ResultsCircadian preference did not affect attentional performance (p > 0.1), but the time that the students attended school had an impact on all types of attention with morning shift students scoring higher, regardless of chronotype (p < 0.05). The presence of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism was associated only with alternate attention performance (p < 0.05). Regarding actigraphy evaluation, the carriers of the polymorphism demonstrated significantly higher total time in bed, total sleep time, social jetlag, and earlier sleep onset. ConclusionsThe results indicate some degree of adaptation in the students' attentional performance, according to their school schedules. The presence of BDNF polymorphism demonstrated a counterintuitive impact on attentional performance, comparing to previous findings. The findings reinforce the effect of genetic traits on sleep-wake rhythm parameters, when objectively evaluated.

Mediation analysis of circadian preferences and other behavioral and sociodemographic factors associated with subjective well-being in undergraduate students

ABSTRACT Undergraduate students are usually subjected to a routine with constant pressure, stress, circadian misalignment, and sleep irregularity that impairs their subjective well-being. Recent evidence suggests that circadian preference is also a risk factor for impaired mental health and factors related to subjective well-being. This study aimed to identify the sociodemographic factors associated with subjective well-being and describe the mediating behavioral variables. Between September 2018 and March 2021, 615 Brazilian students enrolled in higher educational institutions completed an electronic form containing questionnaires on subjective well-being, sociodemographic, and behavioral-related factors (convenience sample). A statistical mediation model was applied to describe how these variables influence subjective well-being. We observed that Morningness (p < .001), identification with the male gender (p = .010), not working while studying (p = .048), and the practice of Pilates/yoga (p = .028) were associated with greater subjective well-being. Except for employment status, no direct effects were observed, which reinforces the need to consider a multidimensional approach. The relationship between subjective well-being and sociodemographic factors exists only in the presence of behavioral mediators, specifically perceived stress, daytime sleepiness, symptoms of depression, sleep quality, and positive and negative affects. Future work should investigate in more detail the impact of sleep, stress, and circadian preferences on this relationship.

Do Sleep-Related Metacognitive Strategies Shape My Sleep? The Relationships between Strategies for Controlling Sleep-Related Intrusive Thoughts and Subjective and Objective Sleep Quality in Young Adulthood and Older Age

This study examined the associations between thought control strategies and subjective and objective sleep quality, across the adult lifespan. One hundred forty-nine individuals without insomnia (age range 18-86 years; M = 45.35, SD = 20.53) completed the Thought Control Questionnaire Insomnia-Revised for assessing sleep-related thought control strategies. Self-reported sleep quality was measured with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Then, subjective and objective sleep parameters (i.e., total sleep time, sleep onset latency, sleep efficiency) were recorded through a sleep diary and an actigraph across 7 days. Results from linear mixed-effects models showed that a worry strategy was associated with longer subjective sleep latency and shorter subjective total sleeping time. An aggressive suppression strategy was associated with longer subjective total sleeping time. No such involvement of thought control strategies was detected for subjective sleep efficiency and all of the objective sleep parameters. Other individual differences (i.e., age, sex, circadian preference, self-reported sleep quality) also explained both subjective and objective sleep parameters, though to a different extent depending on the sleep parameter considered. The assessment of sleep-related thought control strategies, along with other individual characteristics, should be considered to account for individual differences in sleep quality and implement practices/interventions to support it in adulthood and older age.

Sleep quality, circadian preferences, and mood among patients with acne vulgaris: a case-control study.

Poor sleep and mood may be predisposing factors for acne. We aimed to investigate the associations between acne and sleep quality, circadian preferences, and mood. This case-control study recruited patients with acne and age- and sex-matched healthy controls. We used the Investigator's Global Assessment to evaluate acne severity and various validated questionnaires to measure sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, sleep apnea, circadian preference, and mood symptoms. A total of 81 patients with acne (age: 21.6 ± 5.0years, 52% female) and 76 controls were recruited. Compared to controls, patients had a higher score on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (5.2 ± 2.6 vs. 4.1 ± 2.3, p = 0.008) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (State: 44.6 ± 9.7 vs. 40.6 ± 6.6, p = 0.003; Trait: 47.9 ± 8.2 vs. 45.3 ± 6.2, p = 0.03), and a lower score on a reduced version of the Morningness and Eveningness Questionnaire (13.9 ± 2.6 vs. 14.7 ± 2.3, p = 0.05) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (7.4 ± 3.4 vs. 8.6 ± 3.6, p = 0.04). Acne severity was associated with sleep quality (β = 0.33), eveningness (β = 0.34), depression (β = 0.66), and anxiety (State: β = 1.73; Trait: β = 1.21), even when adjusted for education level and family history of acne. Acne is highly associated with poor sleep and mood. Dermatologists are advised to attend closely to the psychological impact of acne. Improvements in sleep and mood may benefit the treatment of acne.

Chronotypes and their Association with Obesity-Related Lifestyle Behaviors among Young Female Adults.

Circadian rhythms have emerged as key influences on lifestyle behaviors. Circadian rhythms vary inter-individually, and people can be stratified by circadian preference, known as their chronotype, from extreme morning types to extreme evening types. Young adults undergo chronotype changes that involve shifts from morning to evening types. We aimed to examine the association between chronotype and obesity-related lifestyle behaviors, including dietary intake, physical activity, and sleep patterns, among young females. A total of 387 college female students aged 18-25 years completed this cross-sectional study. The participants were classified into three groups (morning, intermediate, and evening types) according to the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ; long version) score. Each individual's anthropometry and body composition were measured. Dietary intakes were assessed using a 24-h dietary recall. The Bouchard Three-Day Physical Activity Record was used to assess physical activity levels. Sleep patterns were evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). The differences between chronotype groups were tested using a Chi-square test and one-way ANOVA. The chronotypes were significantly associated with sleep quality (p = 0.010) and daytime sleepiness (p = 0.035). However, no significant associations between dietary intake, physical activity, and sleep duration with the chronotypes were found. Our results show that both sleep quality and daytime sleepiness were associated with the chronotypes. Further research is warranted to identify the potential bidirectional associations between circadian rhythms and lifestyle behaviors among different age groups.

Habitual Sleep Patterns and Chronic Sleep Problems in Relation to Sex, Age, and Circadian Preference in a Population-Based Sample of Norwegian Adults.

Sleep patterns and problems vary in relation to internal (e.g., sex, age, circadian preference) and external (e.g., social structures) factors. The main aim of the present study was to describe habitual sleep patterns and chronic sleep problems in a population-based sample of Norwegian adults. During spring 2022, a sample of 1028 adults completed an online survey on sleep habits and problems. Response rate was 33.5%. The survey included the Munich ChronoType Questionnaire and items on circadian preference and chronic sleep problems. Mean workday sleep duration was 7:19 h (±199 min), and shorter in males (p = 0.035) and evening persons (p = 0.003). Short workday sleep duration (<6 h) was reported by 3.1% and was associated with evening preference (p = 0.001). Mean social jetlag was 0:51 h (±75 min), and longer in males (p = 0.036), younger adults (p < 0.001) and evening persons (p < 0.001). Long social jetlag (≥2 h) was reported by 11.2% and associated with younger age (p < 0.001) and evening preference (p < 0.001). Chronic sleep problems (≥3 months) were reported by 44.1%, and associated with female sex (p < 0.001) and evening preference (p = 0.002). Results underscore the importance of considering evening circadian preference as a risk factor for short workday sleep duration, long social jetlag and self-reported chronic sleep problems.

Chronotype is associated with affective temperaments, clinical severity and worse treatment outcomes in bipolar disorders: results from a two-center, cross-sectional study

Objective The present study was aimed at investigating the clinical correlates of evening chronotype in a population of subjects suffering from bipolar disorders (BD). Methods We assessed chronotype using the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire. We administered the brief Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, and San Diego, the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, and the Alda Scale to evaluate affective temperaments, impulsiveness, and response to mood stabilisers. We performed bivariate analyses and ran a logistic regression model to analyse clinical variables associated with evening chronotype. Results In our sample (n = 178), subjects with an evening chronotype (n = 56, 31.5%) more often suffered from BD type I and reported higher prevalence of seasonality, antidepressant-induced mood switches, psychotic, aggressive, mixed, and anxiety features, and substance use disorders. The number of lifetime suicide attempts and mood episodes was higher in this subgroup. Depressive, cyclothymic, irritable, and anxious temperament scores were higher among evening-chronotype subjects, who also displayed greater levels of impulsiveness and worse treatment response. At the logistic regression, evening chronotype was associated with depressive and irritable temperaments. Conclusions Subjects with evening chronotype display higher clinical severity and worse BD course. Clinicians should evaluate the presence of evening chronotype in BD subjects, especially in those with irritable or depressive temperament. Key points Evening chronotype is a frequent clinical feature in subjects suffering from bipolar disorders (BD); Affective temperaments, particularly depressive and irritable, are associated with evening chronotype in BD; Evening chronotype underpins higher severity of the clinical picture in BD, as well as a worse response to mood stabiliser treatment; Circadian preferences should be systematically assessed in subjects suffering from BD, with particular attention to evening preference.

The association between different sleep health dimensions and sex, age, education, circadian preference, and chronic insomnia: a representative population-based study

Abstract Objectives The aims were to explore multidimensional sleep health and the different dimensions of sleep health in the adult Norwegian population in relation to sex, age, education, circadian preference, and chronic insomnia. Methods A representative sample of 1028 Norwegians, aged 18 + years completed a cross-sectional web-based survey. Sleep health was measured with the multidimensional RU_SATED scale, which assesses the dimensions of regularity, satisfaction, alertness, timing, efficiency, and duration. Insomnia was assessed with the Bergen Insomnia Scale. Data were analyzed with chi-square tests, t-tests, one-way ANOVAs, and regression analyses, as appropriate. Response rate was 33.5%. Results Sleep health was better in males, with increasing age, and with higher educational level, and was poorer in participants with evening preference and chronic insomnia, compared to their respective counterparts. When investigating the different sleep health dimensions, males scored better than females on satisfaction (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.51 to 0.93), timing (aOR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.49 to 0.88), and efficiency (aOR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.52 to 0.89). Older age was associated with better scores on regularity and satisfaction, whereas young age was associated with better scores on alertness and duration. High educational level was associated with better scores on alertness, timing, and duration. Evening types scored worse than morning types on regularity (aOR = 0.27, 95% CI = 0.18 to 0.41), satisfaction (aOR = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.26 to 0.53), and timing (aOR = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.26 to 0.51). Participants with chronic insomnia scored worse than participants without insomnia on all six sleep health dimensions. Conclusions Sleep health differed significantly in relation to sex, age, education, circadian preference, and chronic insomnia. However, specific group differences were not equally evident in all sleep health dimensions.

Healthcare Shift Workers’ Sleep Quality, Daytime Sleepiness and Circadian Preference

Healthcare Shift Workers’ Sleep Quality, Daytime Sleepiness and Circadian Preference

Neurological Soft Signs, Circadian Preferences and Emotion Regulation in Bipolar Disorder and First-Degree Relatives

Neurological Soft Signs, Circadian Preferences and Emotion Regulation in Bipolar Disorder and First-Degree Relatives

Assessment of Impulsivity, Circadian Preferences, and Job Satisfaction in Nurses working with Shift system

Assessment of Impulsivity, Circadian Preferences, and Job Satisfaction in Nurses working with Shift system

Longitudinal Trends in Sleep and Related Factors Among South Korean Adults From 2009 to 2018.

Excess or insufficient sleep, irregular sleep-wake patterns, and an extreme early or late chronotypes adversely impact physical and mental health. Changes in sleep characteristics should therefore be tracked, and factors that contribute to poor sleep should be identified. We investigated the changes in sleep patterns among South Korean adults during 2009-2018. Using data of a representative sample of South Korean adults from the 2009 (n=2,658, 48.5% males; age=44.5±15.0 years old [mean±standard deviation], age range=19-86 years) and 2018 (n=2,389, 49.1% males; age=47.9±16.3 years, age range=19-92 years) Korean Headache-Sleep Study, we explored changes in sleep timing, sleep duration, chronotype, and social jetlag (SJL). Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between average sleep duration and depression. From 2009 to 2018, bedtimes were advanced by 10 and 25 min on workdays and free days, respectively. Meanwhile, wake-up times were advanced by 13 min and delayed by 12 min on workdays and free days, respectively. The average sleep duration significantly decreased from 7.45 h to 7.13 h. The prevalence of short sleep duration (<7 h) increased, whereas that of long sleep duration (≥8 h) decreased. A circadian preference toward eveningness and SJL increased. The prevalence of depression increased from 4.6% to 8.4%, and there were significant reverse J-shaped and U-shaped associations between average sleep duration and depression in 2009 and 2018, respectively. Changes in sleep patterns and the association between sleep duration and depressive mood were determined from a representative sample of the South Korean adult population. Interventions to modify sleep behaviors might improve public health.

Chronotype, sleep, and perceived exertion during intermittent fasting in young athletes

During intermittent fasting of Ramadan, research has shown a modification in athletes’ sleep habits and lifestyle. As a result, these changes might affect a range of chronobiological and psychological parameters. Thus, the present study explores the effect of intermittent fasting during Ramadan and circadian preference on sleep patterns and perception after aerobic exercise. This study included ninety-six active students (16.94 ± 1.09 years, BMI: 21.59 ± 3.52kg/m2). We identified the circadian preferences by exploiting Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ). Then we assess the perceived exertion at three-point times by using Rating of perceived exertion scale (RPE) after an aerobic exercise. At the end of Ramadan, we assess the sleep quality by using The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Our analysis revealed that perceived exertion increased significantly during the three-time points, but sleep quality and maximal oxygen uptake decreased. Also, the results showed a significant association between chronotype and perceived exertion during Ramadan. Moreover, a meaningful prediction was detected of maximal oxygen uptake from BMI and perceived exertion. The main conclusion is that intermittent fasting affects sleep patterns, perceived exertion, and aerobic performance.

Role of Circadian Clock on the Pathogenesis and Lifestyle Management in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Several features of the modern lifestyle, such as weekly schedules or irregular daily eating patterns, have become major drivers of global health problems, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Sleep is an essential component of human well-being, and it has been observed that when circadian rhythms are disrupted, or when sleep quality decreases, an individual's overall health may worsen. In addition, the discrepancy between the circadian and social clock, due to weekly work/study schedules, is called social jetlag and has also been associated with adverse metabolic profiles. Current management of NAFLD is based on dietary intake and physical activity, with circadian preferences and other environmental factors also needing to be taken into account. In this regard, dietary approaches based on chrononutrition, such as intermittent fasting or time-restricted feeding, have proven to be useful in realigning lifestyle behaviors with circadian biological rhythms. However, more studies are needed to apply these dietary strategies in the treatment of these patients. In this review, we focus on the impact of circadian rhythms and the role of sleep patterns on the pathogenesis and development of NAFLD, as well as the consideration of chrononutrition for the precision nutrition management of patients with NAFLD.