Fruits and vegetables could improve sleep by 16%, new research shows

A recent study conducted by the University of Chicago Medicine and Columbia University has revealed a fascinating connection between diet and sleep quality. The research suggests that increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables could lead to more restful sleep.

The study, which was published in the journal “Sleep Health: The Journal of the National Sleep Foundation,” involved 34 healthy young adults who reported their daily food consumption. They also wore a tracker to monitor their sleep patterns throughout the night.

The results showed that those who consumed more fruits and vegetables experienced deeper and more uninterrupted sleep. Additionally, individuals who included healthy carbohydrates like whole grains in their diet also reported improved sleep quality.

Dr. Esra Tasali, the co-senior author of the study and director of the UChicago Sleep Center, stated that dietary modifications could be a natural and cost-effective way to achieve better sleep. The study found that people who consumed at least five cups of fruits and vegetables per day had a 16% increase in the quality of their sleep compared to those who did not consume these foods.

Dr. Tasali emphasized the significance of this finding, noting that even small changes in diet can have a meaningful impact on sleep quality. She highlighted the importance of consuming complex carbohydrates, fruits, and vegetables for long-term sleep health.

The American Heart Association provides examples of fruit and vegetable servings that equate to one cup of produce, such as eight large strawberries or one medium apple. Incorporating these foods into your daily diet may lead to better sleep quality.

While the study results are promising, Dr. Chelsie Rohrscheib, a sleep expert at Wesper in Michigan, cautioned that the research was limited in its scope, primarily including young adult male participants. She also noted that the study was observational and lacked the control of a randomized trial.

Despite these limitations, the researchers plan to conduct more studies to confirm the relationship between diet and sleep quality. They aim to explore the underlying mechanisms driving this impact, including digestion, neurology, and metabolism.

In conclusion, the study suggests that making simple changes to your diet, such as increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables, could lead to better sleep quality. By taking control of your diet, you may be able to achieve more restful and rejuvenating sleep.