New research suggests that your food choices can impact the quality of your sleep. A study conducted by the University of Chicago Medicine and Columbia University revealed that increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables could lead to more restful sleep. People who struggle with sleep quality are more likely to consume unhealthy foods high in fat and sugar, as previous research has shown. The recent study shed light on how the foods we eat can affect our sleep patterns.
In a small study involving 34 healthy young adults, participants reported their daily food intake and wore trackers to monitor sleep disruptions. Those who included more fruits and vegetables in their diet experienced deeper and less interrupted sleep. Additionally, consuming healthy carbohydrates like whole grains was also linked to improved sleep quality.
The co-senior author of the study, Dr. Esra Tasali, emphasized the potential of dietary modifications as a natural and cost-effective approach to enhancing sleep. The findings highlighted the benefits of incorporating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily, leading to a significant 16% increase in sleep quality compared to those who consumed none of these foods.
Experts recommend a diet rich in complex carbohydrates, fruits, and vegetables for long-term sleep health based on the study results. While the study had notable outcomes, it focused on a small group of young male adults, limiting its generalizability. Dr. Chelsie Rohrscheib, a sleep expert, highlighted the importance of a healthy diet in supporting overall well-being and sleep quality.
According to the researchers, a diet high in complex carbohydrates, fruits, and vegetables is most beneficial for long-term sleep health. They suggest that future studies should compare a group following a diet rich in fruits and vegetables to a control group with limited intake in order to establish causality more effectively. The researchers are planning additional studies to confirm the connection between consuming produce and improved sleep, as well as to explore the underlying mechanisms related to digestion, neurology, and metabolism that drive this impact, as mentioned in the press release. For more health-related articles, please visit www.foxnews.com/health. “People often ask me if there are specific foods that can help improve their sleep,” noted co-senior author Dr. Marie-Pierre St-Onge, director of the Center of Excellence for Sleep & Circadian Research at Columbia University. “Even small dietary changes can have a significant impact on sleep. This is empowering as it shows that better rest is something you can control.” Reference: Eating more fruits and vegetables associated with surprising impact on sleep.
