Diet, Sleep, and Fatigue
The CNP Diet, Sleep, and Fatigue Research Category consolidates research exploring the interdependent relationship between dietary intake and sleep, with a focus on insomnia. To view each original study on the open internet, click “Original.” To view the CNP-written abstract summary, click “CNP Summary.” While only some of the CNP-written abstract summaries are available below for free, all abstract summaries are available to CNP members through the CNP Library Membership.
FEATURED CNP RESEARCH SUMMARY
The aim of this 2021 study was to find out how diet can affect obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The researchers specifically looked at whether there are connections between certain eating habits and obstructive sleep apnea among Chinese adults. A total of 9733 participants were selected from the baseline survey of the Guangzhou Heart Study. Food frequency questionnaires allowed analysis of food intake, while obstructive sleep apnea was reported using the Berlin Questionnaire. The data indicated that eating fried food at least once a week was associated with an increased risk of OSA, while eating fruits at least once a day correlated with a 26% lower risk of sleep apnea. The study also identified 3 dietary patterns, one of which (pattern 3) contained higher levels of animal innards, fried food, salted food, carbonate, and non-carbonated beverages. Increased adherence to this pattern 3 was linked with an increased risk of sleep apnea, when compared with lower dietary pattern adherence. Patterns 1 and 2 were not found to be related to risk of OSA. In summary, eating fruits more frequently may be coupled with lower risk of obstructive sleep apnea, whereas consuming high levels of animal innards, fried food, salted food, carbonated beverages, and non-carbonated beverages may increase the risk of sleep apnea.
2021
Changes in fruit and vegetable consumption in relation to changes in sleep characteristics over a 3-month period among young adults
Changes in fruit and vegetable consumption in relation to changes in sleep characteristics over a 3-month period among young adults
2020
Diet and sleep health: A scoping review of intervention studies in adults
Coming Soon.
2020
Specific dietary (poly)phenols are associated with sleep quality in a cohort of Italian adults
Coming Soon.
2019
Dietary inflammatory index and sleep quality in southern Italian adults
Coming Soon.
2019
Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet is Associated with Better Sleep quality in Italian adults
Coming Soon.
2021
Associations between dietary patterns and sleep-related impairment in a cohort of community physicians: A cross-sectional study
Coming Soon.
2022
Diet, sleep and depression: Does adherence to the Mediterranean diet matter?
Coming Soon.
2021
Mediterranean-style dietary pattern improves cancer-related fatigue and quality of life in men with prostate cancer treated with androgen deprivation therapy: A pilot randomised control trial
Coming Soon.
2021
Effects of dietary patterns on driving behaviours among professional truck drivers: The mediating effect of fatigue
Coming Soon.
2020
Nutritional status as a mediator of fatigue and Its underlying mechanisms in older people
Coming Soon.
2017
Mediterranean diet and changes in sleep duration and indicators of sleep quality in older adults
Coming Soon.
2019
Dietary pattern, nutrient intake, and perceived fatigue in the oldest old
Coming Soon.
2011
Effect of kiwifruit consumption on sleep quality in adults with sleep problems
Several works demonstrated the medicinal components of the kiwifruit, including antioxidants and serotonin that could help treat sleep disorders. In this free-living, self-controlled diet study by Lin et al. (2011), the authors investigated the impact of kiwifruit consumption on sleep patterns (onset, duration, and sleep quality). Study participants (n = 24, females = 22, age 20-55) ate two kiwifruits one hour before bedtime every night for four weeks and had their sleep evaluated using the Chinese version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (CPSQI), using a 3-day sleep diary, and using an Actigraph sleep/activity logger watch to record several subjective and objective parameters of sleep (quality of sleep, time to bed, the onset of sleep, waking time after sleep onset, time of waking up, total sleep time, self-reported sleep onset latency, and sleep efficiency before and after the intervention). The results demonstrated a substantial improvement in subjective CPSQI score, sleep onset latency, and waking time after sleep onset. A significant increase was also noted in total sleep time and sleep efficiency. Thus, the authors conclude that eating kiwifruit may enhance sleep onset, efficiency, and duration in adults who report sleep disturbances and that further research is necessary to understand the benefits of the kiwifruit. [NPID: Kiwifruit, sleep disturbance, adults]
2022
Losing sleep by staying up late leads adolescents to consume more carbohydrates and a higher glycemic load
In this study by Duraccio et al. (2022), the authors investigated how shortening the hours of sleep could influence the dietary intake of adolescents, in terms of the type and amount of food consumed, macronutrient content, and the timing of food intake. In this within-subjects crossover study design, a sample of 93 adolescents either had a short sleep opportunity (6.5-hour) or a healthy sleep opportunity (9.5-hour) for five nights, completing three multiple-pass dietary recall questionnaires documenting the amount (kilocalories, grams of carbohydrates, protein, fat, added sugars, and glycemic load), type (low-calorie and sweetened drinks, fruits/vegetables, meats/proteins, "fast food" entrees, processed snacks, grains, and sweets/desserts), and time of food consumption (06:00-10:59, 11:00-15:59, 16:00-20:59, and 21:00-01:00). It was observed that adolescents enjoyed an average 2 h and 20 min of longer sleep in the healthy sleep group compared to the short sleep group. Adolescents in the short sleep group consumed more carbohydrates, added sugars, sweet drinks, high glycemic load food items, and less fruit and vegetable servings compared to the healthy sleep group, and these differences in kilocalorie, fat, and carbohydrate intake were mostly observed after 9:00 pm. The authors conclude that their findings demonstrate the role of inadequate sleep in dietary derangements in adolescents, which may subsequently lead to higher odds of weight gain and cardiometabolic complications. The authors comment that health promotion efforts should thus include recommendations for ideal sleep to help enhance healthy food choice. [NPID: Adolescent, dietary outcomes, meal timing, obesity, sleep restriction]
2022
Adherence to the MIND dietary pattern and sleep quality, sleep related outcomes and mental health in male adults: A cross-sectional study
This 2022 study examined the newly proposed hybrid diet, the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) dietary pattern, on its connection with sleep quality and sleep-related outcomes. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), while day-time sleepiness and insomnia were tested through standard questionnaires. Mental health was also evaluated using the 21-item depression, anxiety, and stress scale (DASS-21). As for diet, dietary information was collected through a food frequency questionnaire, which was used to calculate a MIND score (indicates adherence to the MIND dietary pattern). The subjects were 400 male health professionals with an average age of 48 years. While adherence to the MIND diet was not found to be associated with depression, anxiety, or stress, individuals with the greatest adherence to the MIND diet were less likely to have lower sleep quality, compared to those least adherent to the MIND diet. Conforming to the MIND dietary pattern also appeared to be linked with lower odds of daytime sleepiness. With regards to insomnia, following the MIND diet did not strongly correlate with the severity of the sleep disorder, but higher adherence was associated with lower odds of insomnia. [NPID: sleep, sleep quality, insomnia, diet, MIND diet, dietary pattern, Mediterranean diet]
2020
Measures of poor sleep quality are associated with higher energy intake and poor diet quality in a diverse sample of women from the Go Red for Women Strategically Focused Research Network
This 2020 study set out to assess the relationship between sleep quality and dietary patterns among a sample of women. While poor sleep increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, it is likely that diet also contributes to this link. In this study, sleep quality and latency were measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), while diet quantity and quality were determined by administering food frequency questionnaires. The 495 female participants were aged 20-76 years and were past subjects in the AHA Go Red for Women prospective cohort study. The data demonstrated that higher PSQI scores (indicative of poorer sleep quality) was associated with consuming less unsaturated fats, and more added sugars as well as more food in terms of weight. Women who take longer than an hour to fall asleep generally ate more food by weight and energy, and consumed less whole grains, when compared with women who fall asleep in 15 minutes or under. Higher insomnia severity (determined using the Insomnia Severity Index) was also related to eating more food by weight and energy, and less total and unsaturated fats. This study concluded that poor sleep quality correlates with higher food intake and lower diet quality, which can elevate cardiovascular risk. [NPID: sleep, sleep quality, sleep latency, dietary patterns, fats, nutrition, cardiovascular disease, insomnia, diet quality, obesity]
CNP Research Summary can be found in the CNP Library Membership
2016
Sleep restriction enhances the daily rhythm of circulating levels of endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol
Since there is increasing evidence indicating that insufficient sleep may put individuals at risk of obesity, this 2016 study tested the hypothesis that restricting sleep is associated with activation of the endocannabinoid (eCB) system (a key component of hedonic pathways involved in modulating appetite and food intake). In this study, participants were firstly randomized into one of two groups: one group allowed 4 nights of normal (8.5 h) sleep; and another group was restricted to 4.5 hours of sleep every night (sleep restriction group). The healthy young adults recruited by the study were assessed on hunger, appetite, and food intake. The scientists also closely examined their circulating concentrations of the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and its structural analog 2-oleoylglycerol (2-OG). Both sleep condition groups had robust daily variations of 2-AG concentrations. The lowest point was around the middle of the sleep/overnight fast, and this was followed by a continuous increase that culminated in the late afternoon. But this rhythm was amplified in the sleep restriction group. Concentrations of 2-OG followed a similar pattern, but with a lesser amplitude. According to the individual reports, sleep-deprived participants experienced greater hunger and appetite concomitant with the afternoon surge in 2-AG concentrations. In conclusion, these results suggest that activation of the endocannabinoid system may play a role in the excessive food intake observed in sleep deprived states and may contribute to the heightened risk of obesity associated with sleep debt. [NPID: sleep, sleep restriction, endocannabinoid system, appetite, hunger, diet, overeating, obesity, overweight]
2012
Diet promotes sleep duration and quality
While past studies have shown that sleep can influence dietary choices, this 2012 article explores whether food consumption can affect sleep. The purpose of this review was to discuss the data associating diet with sleep, and to find out if the nutrients obtained through food before bedtime does matter. The authors present the evidence behind traditional sleep-promoting foods such as milk and certain herbal products. The data showcased here are mostly based on clinical trials involving human subjects. Another point of discussion was the mechanisms behind the study observations. The most helpful foods for sleep may be those that can modulate the availability of tryptophan or affect synthesis of serotonin and melatonin. While there are clear physiological links between diet and sleep, further research is warranted. [NPID: sleep, diet, review, dietary choices, nutrients, dietary habits, lifestyle]
CNP Research Summary can be found in the CNP Library Membership
2021
The effectiveness of a weight-loss Mediterranean diet/lifestyle intervention in the management of obstructive sleep apnea: Results of the "MIMOSA" randomized clinical trial
While the primary treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), this 2021 study investigates complementary therapeutic choices that may enhance therapy. The aim was to analyze whether adding a weight-loss Mediterranean diet/lifestyle intervention to the standard treatment of obstructive sleep apnea would have an additive positive effect on severity of the sleep disorder. The participants of this clinical trial were overweight adults diagnosed with moderate-to-severe OSA. They were firstly split into 3 different groups, each receiving the standard continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). One of the groups received standard care only, while another was provided with written healthy lifestyle advice (the Mediterranean diet group), and the third group was subject to a 6-month behavioral intervention aimed at increasing adherence to the Mediterranean diet and losing weight (the Mediterranean lifestyle group). In addition, this Mediterranean lifestyle group received counseling on physical activity and sleep habits. While a total of 183 patients signed up to take part in this trial, 7 individuals were excluded post-randomization and 53 adults (29%) did not complete the follow-up assessments. When compared with the standard care (and CPAP) only group, there was a significantly greater decrease in AHI (the number of apnea/hypopnea events per hour) among the Mediterranean diet and Mediterranean lifestyle group. These differences remained significant after adjusting the analysis model further for body-weight changes. Incidentally, the 2 intervention groups showed significantly lower scores in other respiratory event indices, daytime sleepiness, and insomnia, compared with the standard care group. When comparing the two intervention groups, the Mediterranean lifestyle group presented higher percent rapid-eye-movement sleep and lower daytime sleepiness compared to the Mediterranean diet group. All in all, a dietary/lifestyle intervention coupled with standard care can greatly improve sleep apnea severity and symptomatology compared to standard care alone. [NPID: sleep apnea, sleep, Mediterranean diet, lifestyle, intervention, sleep habits, obstructive sleep apnea, behavior, diet]
2020
Associations between red meat intake and sleep parameters in patients with obstructive sleep apnea
This 2020 study investigated the possible effect of eating red meats on apnea (the stopping of breathing) and hypopnea (a disorder in which shallow breaths are taken for 10 seconds or longer while asleep). The participants were patients recently diagnosed with mild or moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Every patient was aged between 21 and 70 years old, free of other chronic diseases, and had not changed their dietary habits for at least 6 months before the assessments. Food frequency questionnaires and 24-hour dietary recalls were used to evaluate food intake, while the polysomnography recorded data about the patients’ sleep. Multiple logistic regression analysis models determined that eating higher quantities of total red meat or unprocessed red meat was related to higher values of apnea and hypopnea indices. Compared with patients in the lower intake quartile of total red meats, those eating the most red meats (in top quartile) were 3 times more likely to have severe obstructive sleep apnea. These results suggest that red meat consumption is correlated with severity of obstructive sleep apnea. [NPID: obstructive sleep apnea, sleep, sleep apnea, red meat, meats, diets, nutrition, hypopnea, dietary patterns]
2021
Association between eating habits and risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A population-based study
The aim of this 2021 study was to find out how diet can affect obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The researchers specifically looked at whether there are connections between certain eating habits and obstructive sleep apnea among Chinese adults. A total of 9733 participants were selected from the baseline survey of the Guangzhou Heart Study. Food frequency questionnaires allowed analysis of food intake, while obstructive sleep apnea was reported using the Berlin Questionnaire. The data indicated that eating fried food at least once a week was associated with increased risk of OSA, while eating fruits at least once a day correlated with a 26% lower risk of sleep apnea. The study also identified 3 dietary patterns, one of which (pattern 3) contained higher levels of animal innards, fried food, salted food, carbonate, and non-carbonated beverages. Increased adherence to this pattern 3 was linked with an increased risk of sleep apnea, when compared with lower dietary pattern adherence. Patterns 1 and 2 were not found to be related to risk of OSA. In summary, eating fruits more frequently may be coupled with lower risk of obstructive sleep apnea, whereas consuming high levels of animal innards, fried food, salted food, carbonated beverages, and non-carbonated beverages may increase the risk of sleep apnea. [NPID: sleep apnea, sleep, dietary patterns, diet, China, fats, nutrition, diet, fried food, fruits]
2021
The association between dietary zinc intake and health status, Including mental health and sleep quality, among Iranian female students
This 2021 study recruited 142 female students from the Department of Nutrition and Food Science at the Semnan University of Medical Sciences through random sampling, and examined them on dietary intake, depression, anxiety, and quality of sleep. The main purpose was to gain an understanding of the association between dietary zinc intake with risk of depression, anxiety, and sleeping issues. After adjusting the analysis model for various factors such as age, economic status, and BMI, Hajianfar et al. (2021) discovered that zinc consumption was strongly linked with higher odds of depression (134% more likely), anxiety (243% increased risk), sleep disorders, and daytime dysfunction. Other analysis models identified connections between zinc consumption with sleep delay and mental quality of sleep. These results suggest the inverse association between dietary zinc intake with mood disorders (including depression and anxiety) and several aspects of sleep disturbances in the Iranian female students. [NPIDs: insomnia, sleep, sleep quality, sleep duration, depression, anxiety, zinc, sleep disorders, daytime dysfunction, Iran, students]
CNP Research Summary can be found in the CNP Library Membership
2016
Short and sweet: Associations between self-reported sleep duration and sugar-sweetened beverage consumption among adults in the United States
Since sugar-sweetened beverages and shortened sleep duration have been linked with the development of obesity, Prather et al. (2016) decided to explore the relationship between these 2 variables among adults (aged 18+ years). Data from the 2005-12 NHANES study was borrowed, considering the adults who slept 7-8 hours/night as the reference group. The results revealed that 13% of the 18,779 adults slept 5 or fewer hours per night. These subjects who slept 5 hours of fewer per night consumed more sugar-sweetened drinks, compared with the reference group. The highest contributors were caffeinated sugary beverages. It was also identified that those individuals who managed ≥9 hours of sleep/night consumed fewer servings of coffee and water, relative to the reference. No association was reported for the consumption of 100% juice, tea, or diet drinks. To summarize the data, short sleep correlated with higher intake of sugary caffeinated sodas, a finding that may have important implications for physical health. [NPIDs: insomnia, sleep, sleep quality, sleep duration, caffeine, sugar, soda, obesity]
2020
Relationship between sleep and hedonic appetite in shift workers
Since poor sleep and disturbed circadian rhythm may contribute to excessive food consumption, Vidafar et al. (2020) propose that these 2 factors may also explain the higher risk of obesity found in shift workers. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between sleep characteristics and hedonic (pleasure-related) control of appetite in shift workers. An online survey was completed by the 63 shift workers (average age 36.6) that participated in this experiment. Weight change after starting shift work was reported by 71% of the whole sample population, while 84% of these people admitted gaining weight since taking up shift work (average weight gained: 11.3kg). Other notable findings include the increased food cravings associated with poorer sleep quality and shorter sleep duration. Moreover, poorer sleep quality and hygiene were both linked with increased motivation to eat palatable foods (greater hedonic drive). The results of this preliminary study have suggested that hedonic pathways may play a role in weight gain in shift workers with disturbed sleep. [NPIDs: insomnia, sleep, sleep quality, sleep duration, obesity, shift work, night shift, appetite control, hedonic drive]
CNP Research Summary can be found in the CNP Library Membership
2020
Food as a circadian time cue — evidence from human studies
This 2020 review discusses the evidence surrounding the hypothesis that food is a circadian zeitgeber (time cue for the circadian system). While light is the primary cue for the circadian system of humans and animal models, Lewis et al. explain that dietary factors such as meal timing and diet composition are often thought of as the secondary cues. The researchers believe that the development and practice of healthy zeitgeber use may reduce disruption or misalignment within the circadian system (chronobiological strain), which is associated with numerous negative health outcomes. A potential strategy to help facilitate adoption of zeitgeber hygiene is adjusting meal timing and composition. The evidence for food zeitgeber effects specific to humans is notably scarce, although confirming the impact of meal timing and composition on the human circadian system is regarded by some as a vital piece of information with regards to human chronobiology. [NPIDs: insomnia, sleep, sleep quality, sleep duration, circadian rhythm, light, meal timing, sleep cues]
2019
The effects of individual circadian rhythm differences on insomnia, impulsivity, and food addiction
This 2019 study tests the relationship between circadian rhythm differences and food addiction (via insomnia and impulsivity) in university students. The idea is that a person can be identified as being part of a certain chronotype (feeling more efficient in the morning or later in the day for example) using a variety of behavioral, psychological, and biological variables such as appetite levels, regular meal times, sleep times, and melatonin secretion. To obtain these psychological data of the 1323 university students that enrolled, Kandeger et al. used the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire, Insomnia Severity Index, Barratt Impulsiveness Scale Short Form, and Yale Food Addiction Scale. The results indicated that evening types (those who feel higher efficiency later in the day) were more susceptible to experiencing insomnia and impulsivity. There was no significant linear relationship between circadian rhythm differences and food addiction. But the study highlights the finding that evening-type circadian preferences was indirectly related to higher food addiction scores mediated by insomnia and impulsivity. [NPIDs: insomnia, sleep, sleep quality, sleep duration, circadian rhythm, food addiction, impulsivity, chronotype, appetite, meal times, melatonin]
CNP Research Summary can be found in the CNP Library Membership
2020
Eat, sleep, repeat: The role of the circadian system in balancing sleep-wake control with metabolic need
This 2020 review focuses on feeding and sleep since they are 2 important behaviors for survival that are subject to strong homeostatic control. Organization and planning is required to ensure that both the energy demands and sleep needs are met. Northeast et al. explains that humans would simply alternate between sleeping and foraging or feeding under ideal conditions. However, when the body is in a negative energy state, there must be a balance between energy conservation and foraging activity. Since the neural circuits that regulate sleep and energy balance are interconnected in mammals and many animal species, this review looks at this circuitry, discussing how homeostatic regulation is modulated by changes in food availability, and outlining the role of the circadian system in adaptation to metabolic stress. [NPIDs: insomnia, sleep, sleep quality, sleep duration, homeostatic control, foraging, homeostatic regulation, circadian system, metabolic stress]
2020
Specific dietary (poly)phenols are associated with sleep quality in a cohort of Italian adults
In this 2020 study, the association between dietary polyphenols and sleep quality was investigated in a sample of Italian adults. Godos et al. administered food frequency questionnaires to assess dietary components, focusing on the individual, total, and subclasses of polyphenols present in the participants’ diets. A significant finding was the inverse relationship between increased intake of lignans and poor sleep quality. Additionally, higher consumption of hydroxycinnamic acid was related to inadequate sleep quality. When examining individual compounds, naringenin and apigenin are flavonoids that were linked with sleep quality, while matairesinol was classed as a lignan. The secondary analysis divided the sample into normal weight and overweight/obese groups, revealing a stronger interaction between certain classes of, subclasses of, and individual compounds with sleep quality. For example, nearly all individual compounds belonging to the lignan class were negatively linked with inadequate sleep quality. However, no associations were found between polyphenol class and sleep quality in the overweight/obese individuals. These results suggest that increased consumption of certain polyphenols may be related with better sleep quality among Italian adults. [NPIDs: insomnia, sleep, sleep quality, sleep duration, polyphenols, Italy, lignans, hydroxycinnamic acid, naringenin, apigenin, flavonoids, matairesinol, obesity]
CNP Research Summary can be found in the CNP Library Membership
2018
The relationship between sleep duration and fruit/vegetable intakes in UK adults: A cross-sectional study from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey
In this 2018 study, data from The National Diet and Nutrition Survey was used to determine the relationship between fruit and vegetable consumption and sleep duration. The total sample size included in this study was 1612 adults aged 19-65 years (pregnant and breastfeeding women were excluded). Noorwali et al. announced that participants that manage to get >8 hours of sleep per day (long sleepers) consumed on average 28g/day less fruit and vegetables (total), when compared with those who sleep for 7-8 hours a day (reference sleepers). But it was the short sleepers (< 7 hours/day) that consumed the least fruits and vegetables (24g/day less than reference sleepers) and showed the lowest levels of fruit and vegetable biomarkers (total carotenoids, β-carotene and lycopene). But these relationships were not found to be linear, with reference sleepers having the highest fruit and vegetable consumption levels and the highest concentrations of fruit and vegetable biomarkers. Nevertheless, the conclusion was that fruit and vegetable consumption appeared to be linked with sleep duration. [NPIDs: insomnia, sleep, sleep quality, sleep duration, fruit, vegetables, FV intake]
2020
Fruit and vegetable consumption is protective from short sleep and poor sleep quality among university students from 28 countries
In this 2020 study, Pengpid & Peltzer investigated the relationship between fruit and vegetable intake, sleep duration, and sleep quality in a multinational sample of university students. The median age of the 21,027 students from 28 different countries was 20 years. While short sleep was reported in 38.9% of the students, 12.8% managed to get long sleep. Quality of sleep was low in 9.6% of the population, while restless sleep was more common at 19.7%. The study also found that the prevalence of short sleep declined in a linear manner as fruit and vegetable consumption increased beyond ≥2 servings per day. The intake of 2 fruit and veg portions every day was associated with a 21% decrease in incidence of short sleep. Interestingly, the consumption of 5 and 7 servings/day was linked with a 34% reduction in risk of long sleep. Looking at the final adjusted analysis model, 3 fruit and vegetable servings per day appeared to correlate with a 49% drop in probability of getting poor quality sleep. Furthermore, the chances of restless sleep were reduced by the consumption of 5 or more fruit and vegetable portions per day. To summarize, these findings provide evidence of a connection between insufficient fruit and vegetable in the diet and short sleep, as well as an inverse relationship between fruit and vegetable consumption, poor sleep quality, and restless sleep. [NPIDs: insomnia, sleep, sleep quality, sleep duration, fruit, vegetables, FV intake, students, restless sleep]
CNP Research Summary can be found in the CNP Library Membership
2021
Energy drink intake is associated with insomnia and decreased daytime functioning in young adult females
The objective of this 2021 study was to determine the association between energy drink use and sleep-related disturbances in young adults recruited from Western Australia (22 years old). The statistics showed that 66% of the 1115 participants never or rarely drank energy drinks (less than once a month), while 17% reported occasional use (>once/month to
2018
Fruit and vegetable consumption and their polyphenol content are inversely associated with sleep duration: Prospective associations from the UK women's cohort study
The primary aim of this 2018 study was to determine the interactions between fruit and vegetables consumption and its polyphenol content, with sleep duration in women in the U.K. Noorwali et al. utilized the data of 13,958 women who participated in the UK Women's Cohort Study, including information on dietary intakes assessed at baseline with the food frequency questionnaire, and the average number of sleeping hours per day reported at the 4-year follow-up. The consumption of one additional fruit portion (of apples, kiwi, oranges, pineapples, or 100% fruit juice) was linked with getting fewer hours of sleep. In fact, eating another portion of cabbage, celery, aubergine, olives, and peppers also correlated with less sleep. The intake of one additional gram of total polyphenols was related to 18 minutes less sleep. The conclusion was that fruit and vegetable consumption, and total polyphenol content were negatively associated with sleep duration. But in defense, the effect sizes observed were small, and the polyphenol classes specifically obtained from eating fruits and vegetables were not connected with sleep. Future research should inspect the timing of the fruit and vegetable eating event in relation to sleep. [NPIDs: insomnia, sleep, sleep quality, sleep duration, fruit, vegetables, polyphenols, U.K., United Kingdom, women, FV intake]
CNP Research Summary can be found in the CNP Library Membership
2020
High glycemic index and glycemic load diets as risk factors for insomnia: Analyses from the Women's Health Initiative
Here, Gangwisch et al. (2020) extracted the data of postmenopausal women who participated in the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study, and investigated the association between glycemic index, glycemic load, and several other dietary measures, with prevalence of insomnia. As well as glycemic index (rating system that demonstrates how quickly food affects the blood sugar levels) and glycemic load (quantitative measure of food’s effect on blood sugar levels), this study looked at added sugars, starch, total carbohydrate, dietary fiber, and specific carbohydrate-containing foods such as whole grains, vegetables, and dairy products. The authors hypothesized that higher glycemic indices (GI) and glycemic loads would correlate to increased incidence of insomnia. Interestingly, greater GI was in fact associated with higher prevalence of insomnia in cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses. Additionally, greater consumption of added sugars, starch, and non-whole/refined grains were each linked with higher odds of incident insomnia. Whereas insomnia was less likely to occur in women who ate more non-juice fruit and vegetables, dietary fiber, and whole grains. To conclude, high-GI diets may elevate the risk of insomnia in postmenopausal women. These high-GI foods should be replaced with minimally processed, whole, fiber-rich carbohydrates. [NPIDs: insomnia, sleep, sleep quality, sleep duration, glycemic index, glycemic load, blood sugar, starches, fiber, glycemic index, post-menopause, post-menopause women]
2018
Sleep disorder, Mediterranean Diet and learning performance among nursing students: inSOMNIA, a cross-sectional study
The purpose of the 2018 inSOMNIA study was to find out how prevalent sleep disorders are among nursing students of the University of Perugia. And at the same time, Gianfredi et al. examined how lifestyle, eating habits, health status and academic performance are linked to night-time and daytime symptoms of the interrupted sleep. The PREDIMED questionnaire was used to reveal the students’ adherence to the Mediterranean diet, a high-tryptophan diet with positive effects on sleep, while sleep disorders were determined using the "Sleep and Daytime Habits Questionnaire". The scores obtained in the PREDIMED questionnaire were associated with BMI, smoking habit, quality of life, and academic progress. To summarize this study’s findings, high prevalence of sleep disturbances was correlated with diet and poor academic progress. [NPIDs: insomnia, sleep, sleep quality, sleep duration, Perugia, academic performance, school, Med diet, Mediterranean diet, tryptophan, quality of life, smoking]
CNP Research Summary can be found in the CNP Library Membership
2019
Bridging the reciprocal gap between sleep and fruit and vegetable consumption: A review of the evidence, potential mechanisms, implications, and directions for future work
This 2019 review explores the possible connection between lack of sleep and low intakes of fruit and vegetables, 2 factors thought to contribute to the great disease burden and global mortality rates. Noorwali et al. examines a total of 52 adult human studies on the relationship between sleep and fruit and vegetable consumption. Experimental studies were deemed to provide inconsistent results and be lacking in numbers, while several observational studies appear to show that adults sleeping the recommended 7-9 hours/day also eat the highest amounts of fruits and vegetables. This review highlights the potential mechanisms in which sleep and fruit and vegetable intake are linked, such as homeostatic and non-homeostatic mechanisms (how disrupted sleep influences fruit and vegetable consumption). It was also added that fruit and veg intake may have an effect on sleep through its polyphenol content. Although several potential pathways have been identified, there are limited human experimental studies regarding the impact of polyphenols (in fruits and vegetables) on sleep. Further knowledge on sleep’s interaction with fruit and vegetable intake may aid the reduction of the global chronic disease burden and allow the optimization of sleep. [NPIDs: insomnia, sleep, sleep quality, sleep duration, fruits, vegetables, FV intake, polyphenols, chronic disease, sleep optimization]
2019
The relationship between adherence to a Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) dietary pattern and insomnia
Since numerous sources have suggested the influential role of diet in insomnia, this 2019 study assessed the relationship between adherence to a DASH diet and the prevalence of insomnia in adolescent girls. The sample population consisted of 488 adolescent girls aged between 12 and 18 years from various regions of Khorasan Razavi in Northeast Iran. As expected, the girls with higher DASH scores (highest quintile) ate significantly more fruits, vegetables, low fat dairy products, fish, and nuts compared with those with lower DASH scores. Additionally, these participants with higher scores consumed less refined grains, red and processed meat, sugar-sweetened beverages and sweets. As with its relationship with insomnia, higher adherence to the DASH diet correlated with less insomnia cases, when compared with people with lower diet adherence. In fact, the probability of experiencing insomnia was 49% less likely for those with higher adherence to the DASH diet. These results remained true after analysis models were adjusted for potential confounders. Rostami et al. therefore deduce that adherence to DASH dietary patterns was inversely linked with insomnia in adolescent girls. [NPIDs: insomnia, sleep, sleep quality, sleep duration, DASH, adolescence, Iran, sweets, sugar]