Can protein timing fix Sleep-Deprived muscles?

NCT ID NCT06073080

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether spreading protein intake evenly throughout the day helps muscles recover better after several days of limited sleep. Twenty healthy adults underwent a week of good sleep, four days of restricted sleep, and three days of recovery with either even or uneven protein distribution. Researchers measured muscle building and overall protein balance to see which approach worked best.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Dietary protein nutrition distribution

What this could lead to

If successful, this could inform better nutrition strategies to help people recover muscle health after periods of poor sleep.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-stage study with only 20 healthy adults, so results may not apply to the general population or those with medical conditions.

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

Locations

  • US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine

    Natick, Massachusetts, 01760, United States