Tag: Nocturnal feeding

According to a study published in the *American Journal of Clinical Nutrition*, cyclic nocturnal total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is generally well-tolerated and offers significant lifestyle benefits for patients. This practice of administering TPN at night is a strategic medical decision designed to improve a patient's quality of life and reduce complications associated with continuous infusion.

Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) is a method of providing nutrients directly into the bloodstream. A common approach for administering TPN is on a cyclic schedule, often occurring overnight while a person is sleeping. This practice of giving TPN at night is implemented for several reasons related to a person's lifestyle and potential physiological benefits.

According to the National Institutes of Health, enteral nutrition can be administered using various methods, including continuous, cyclic, and intermittent feeding. The primary distinction lies in the delivery schedule: continuous feeding provides a steady rate of nutrition over 24 hours, while cyclic feeding delivers a faster infusion over a shorter, less than 24-hour period, typically overnight. This approach caters to different patient needs and physiological considerations, directly impacting patient mobility, gastrointestinal tolerance, and overall quality of life.

Cyclic feeding, a method of enteral nutrition administered in less than a 24-hour period, is a flexible alternative to continuous feeding often used for stable patients. This scheduled approach, sometimes given overnight, enhances mobility and can support the transition back to oral food intake.