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The association between quality and quantity of carbohydrate with sleep, mood, anxiety, depression and stress among elderly
While earlier research has examined links between carbohydrate consumption, sleep, and mental well-being, more investigation is needed to fully understand how these factors interact, especially in older adults. This study by Ghosn et al. (2025) focuses on how both the amount and quality of carbohydrate intake relate to sleep quality and psychological health—including mood, anxiety, stress, and depression—offering insight into these complex relationships in the elderly, a group often overlooked in prior studies. The goal of this research was to explore the connection between carbohydrate quantity and quality with sleep patterns and mental health outcomes, including depression, anxiety, stress, and overall mood. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 398 elderly Iranians aged 65–85, randomly selected from health centers affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences. The authors conducted several tests to evaluate dietary patterns, mood, psychological health, and sleep quality (168-item Food Frequency Questionnaire [FFQ], the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI], the Profile of Mood States [POMS] questionnaire, and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale [DASS-21]). Even after adjusting for other factors, individuals with higher carbohydrate intake had a greater likelihood of experiencing depression, with significantly higher odds in those consuming the most. On the other hand, eating fiber-rich carbs was linked to a much lower risk of stress and anxiety. A lower glycemic load was also associated with improved sleep quality. This study highlights a strong connection between the quality and quantity of carbohydrates and mental and sleep health in older adults. Diets higher in fiber and with lower glycemic loads were associated with lower risks of stress, anxiety, and poor sleep. Emphasizing high-quality carbohydrates may offer important mental and sleep health benefits for the aging population. [NPID: Sleep quality, mental health, mood, anxiety, stress, depression, elderly population, carbohydrate quality, fiber content, glycemic load]
Year: 2025
