A clinical trial has examined the effects of the Mediterranean diet and time-restricted eating on body composition and sleep in women with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Over a 12-week period, both dietary approaches led to weight loss and reductions in waist and hip circumference.
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The Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, lean meats, seafood, and olive oil, was associated with improvements in sleep quality, while the time-restricted eating method did not show these benefits. The findings suggest that while both diets can aid weight management, only the Mediterranean diet may positively influence sleep patterns and circadian rhythms in individuals with RRMS.
Researchers noted the importance of these results while emphasizing that further studies are needed to confirm potential effects on sleep disturbances linked to MS. The study involved 34 women diagnosed with RRMS, who were divided into two groups—one following the Mediterranean diet and the other practicing time-restricted eating, which limits meals to specific hours each day.
Metrics related to body composition and sleep were measured at the beginning and end of the study. While both diets resulted in weight loss and reduced abdominal fat, only participants on the Mediterranean diet reported higher scores on the Morningness and Eveningness Sleep Questionnaire (MEQ), indicating a preference for being active in the morning.
The researchers acknowledged that the study's small scale and limited duration warrant further investigation to better understand the long-term impacts of dietary interventions in MS management. The findings were published in the journal Healthcare.