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.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Sleep Deprivation

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • The Ohio State University

    RECRUITING

    Columbus, Ohio, 43210, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••