Ketones vs. sleeplessness: new study tests diet fix for tired brains
NCT ID NCT06075914
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study looks at whether a ketogenic diet or ketone supplements can reduce the mental and physical downsides of sleep loss. Sixty healthy adults ages 18–40 will cut their sleep by half for four nights while following either a ketogenic or Mediterranean diet, and taking either a ketone drink or a placebo. Researchers will measure thinking, marksmanship, agility, strength, and blood markers to see if ketones help protect against sleep deprivation.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Ketogenic diet, Mediterranean diet, and ketone ester supplements
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward dietary strategies to help people—especially military personnel—stay sharp and perform well even when sleep is limited.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study (60 people) testing short-term effects in a controlled lab setting. Results may not apply to real-world conditions or to people with different health profiles.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
The Ohio State University
RECRUITINGColumbus, Ohio, 43210, United States
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