Interactions among Chrononutrition, Vitamin D, and Sleep in Infertility: A Scoping Review
Abstract
The purpose of this scoping review was to examine and compile the available data about the relationship between infertility and eating habits, vitamin D, and sleep. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) served as the review's guide. Using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect, a thorough search of the literature was carried out, encompassing research published from each database's creation to October 2025. The keywords and search phrases encompassed chrononutrition, timing of meals, night eating, late-night eating, vitamin D, sleep, and infertility. Studies were deemed eligible if they included human subjects and utilized either observational or interventional methodologies, with reported outcomes related to fertility. From the initial 420 records screened, 19 studies met the inclusion criteria. Overall, the evidence suggests that irregular eating patterns, such as consuming more calories late at night and skipping breakfast, are associated with menstrual irregularities, anovulation, and poorer semen quality. In addition, inadequate sleep, both in terms of quality and duration, has been associated with lower reproductive hormone levels and decreased chances of conception. Adequate vitamin D levels, on the other hand, were generally associated with improved outcomes in assisted reproductive technologies as well as better semen parameters. Nevertheless, differences in study design and assessment methods across the included studies made it difficult to perform a meta-analysis. Overall, the evidence points towards a potential role of circadian alignment achieved through consistent meal timing, sufficient sleep, and optimal vitamin D status in supporting reproductive health. Despite promising associations, the current evidence is predominantly observational. Future longitudinal and interventional studies are needed to elucidate causal mechanisms and inform chrono nutritional strategies for optimizing fertility outcomes.
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