Study Finds Diet May Affect Sleep Quality

Insufficient sleep —such as not sleeping long enough overall or having poor quality sleep—affects both how we feel and how we function. A new study suggests that what we eat may affect how we sleep.

For their study, researchers from the University of Chicago examined data from 20 previous studies. All the studies looked at the relationship between diet composition and sleep quality.

The researchers found that diets higher in complex carbohydrates, such as fiber, and healthier fats, such as unsaturated fats, were associated with better sleep quality. Diets higher in protein were also associated with better sleep quality.

In addition, diets with high amounts of fiber, fruits, vegetables, and anti-inflammatory nutrients, such as the Mediterranean diet, were associated with better sleep quality.

The study was published online ahead of print on January 17, 2022 in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

A previous study found that saffron extract may also help improve sleep quality.