Eating highly processed foods has a significant impact on sleep. Consuming such foods significantly increases the risk of chronic sleep disorders.
In a new study involving experts from the Sorbonne Paris Nord University, the link between the consumption of highly processed foods and chronic sleep disorders was examined based on the eating and sleeping habits of a large population sample. The results can be read in the “Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics”.
Are highly processed foods a risk?
Consumption of ultra-processed foods has increased dramatically worldwide and is associated with wide-ranging effects on various aspects of health, such as an increased risk of diabetes and obesity, the team reports.
However, according to the researchers, only a few studies have so far examined how a diet containing highly processed foods affects sleep behavior and, in particular, the occurrence of chronic sleep disorders.
“At a time when more and more foods are highly processed and sleep disorders are rampant, it is important to investigate whether diet could contribute to poor or good sleep quality,” emphasizes study author Dr. Marie-Pierre St-Onge in a recent press release.
Nutrition and sleep examined
To find out how nutrient intake is linked to sleep, the team analyzed data on sleep variables and detailed dietary information from more than 39,000 adult participants.
In addition to the pure nutrients and specific foods, their degree of processing was also taken into account. On average, the participants consumed around 16 percent of their energy from highly processed foods.
In addition, almost 20 percent of the participants reported suffering from chronic insomnia, the researchers report.
Increased risk of sleep disorders
The researchers found that participants who reported suffering from chronic sleep disorders got a higher proportion of their energy intake from highly processed foods. This association held true for both men and women, although the risk was slightly higher in men, according to the research team.
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A statistically significant association was found between the consumption of highly processed foods and chronic sleep disorders, which persisted regardless of sociodemographics, lifestyle, diet quality and mental health status.
If you have trouble sleeping, check your diet
Although the study has some limitations, so that further research is needed in this area, the researchers already recommend checking the diet if you have sleep problems and considering whether the consumption of highly processed foods may play a role. (as)