Randomized controlled trial finds that reducing food intake lowered metabolic rate during sleep by 10% and reduced DNA damage, a biomarker for aging, by 20% in healthy adults. DNA damage accumulates with age and plays a role in cancer, stem cell dysfunction, and more.

The lowered metabolic rate during sleep indicates energy is used more efficiently while sleeping than (compared to the control group). This lowered metabolic rate also correlated with a reduction in body temperature…which is a key parameter regulated by circadian rhythm and improves sleep onset and quality.