Figure 1.

A schematic of ideal time-restricted eating (TRE) intervention for long-term adherence by incorporating the optimal sleep time and duration relative to TRE interval. Because bright light is known to inhibit the production and secretion of sleep promoting hormone melatonin, it is desirable to avoid bright light for 2 to 3 hours before habitual bedtime to promote better sleep. Adequate sleep is known to reduce food craving, which can support adherence to TRE. Since melatonin can potentially attenuate glucose-induced insulin release from the pancreas, avoiding food before bedtime immediately after wake up may further accentuate the TRE benefit on glucose regulation. The eating interval of 10 hours is illustrated as an example.