Metabolic and reward feeding synchronises the rhythmic brain

Timed calorie restriction can modify the suprachiasmatic clockwork and enhance the effects of light.

• The suprachiasmatic nuclei serve as the master clock regulating daily brain rhythmicity.
• Meal timing and restricted feeding are effective synchronisers for secondary clocks in peripheral organs and certain brain regions, but not for the suprachiasmatic nuclei.
• A daily chocolate snack can entrain the suprachiasmatic clockwork in constant darkness while reducing light's synchronising effects.
• Circadian oscillations in the brain show varying sensitivity to food-related cues, with some structures being more affected by meal timing than others.
• Animals display food-anticipatory activity before expected meal times, suggesting a connection between meal timing and brain clock networks.

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