Nutrition and Sleep: Diet’s Effect on Sleep

The Relationship Between Nutrition and Sleep

In many studies, how and what a person eats have been found to impact how long and how well they sleep. For example, diets low in fiber, high in saturated fat, or high in sugar have been linked to sleep that isn’t as restorative. Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source Not eating enough fat, carbohydrates, or protein has been linked to less or worse quality sleep. Both caffeine and alcohol have been found to reduce sleep quality, especially if taken within two to three hours before bedtime. Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source Foods that contain the amino acid tryptophan, on the other hand, have been found to improve sleep quality.

However, more research is needed to fully understand how a person’s food choices impact their sleep. A recent analysis of 26 research studies Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source on nutrition and sleep concluded that there isn’t enough evidence to confirm that certain foods or ways of eating impact sleep, because of the way most research studies on the topic were designed. Instead, the study authors suggest that obesity, rather than specific foods, may influence sleep.

While more information is needed on how food impacts sleep, research makes clear that sleep patterns influence how a person eats and how the body responds to food. Falling short on sleep, which is sleeping fewer than seven hours per night for adults, may increase hunger and make sugary and fattening foods feel more rewarding, leading to overeating. Falling short on sleep may also reduce the body’s ability to break down sugar, leading to an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart problems.

Foods That Help You Sleep

Although more research is needed, many studies suggest that certain foods and ways of eating may promote better sleep in some people. Foods may help sleep by contributing to adequate nutrition or because they contain sleep-promoting components, like tryptophan, essential vitamins, melatonin, or serotonin. 

Research suggests that these are foods that may help you sleep:

• Tart cherry juice 
• Cherries, especially the Jerte Valley and Montmorency tart cherry varieties Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source
• Kiwi fruit 
• Oily and fatty fish, like herring, mackerel, salmon, tuna, sardines, trout, and krill
• Oysters 
• Poultry
• Milk and cheese
• Eggs 
• Breads
• Beans 
• Pumpkin seeds
• A diet high in vegetables 
• Grain mixes containing tryptophan

Eating simple carbohydrates that quickly turn to sugar in the bloodstream four hours before sleep has also been found to help people fall asleep faster. That said, simple carbs before bed might not be a good long-term strategy for sleeping better. Studies have also found that high-sugar and high-carbohydrate diets are associated with worse sleep. A well-balanced diet with adequate amounts of carbohydrates, protein, and fat appears to be best for good sleep.

Foods That Can Hurt Sleep

Research studies have found that certain foods, drinks, and ways of eating may lead to less sleep or lower quality sleep. These are foods and diets that may contribute to worse or less sleep:

• Foods and drinks containing caffeine 
• Foods and drinks containing alcohol 
• High-fat foods, especially saturated fat
• High-sugar foods
• Foods low in tryptophan
• Diets low in fiber 
• Diets high in carbohydrates and low in fat 

Also, skipping meals and snacking between meals or after dinner may reduce sleep quality and quantity. Eating too much food or too close to bedtime may also interfere with healthy and sound sleep.

“Good eating habits go hand in hand with a good night’s sleep.”

Dr. Lulu Guo

Sleep Medicine Physician

How to Eat Better for Sleep

Try these research-backed tips to see if food and nutrition can improve your sleep:

• Consume a balanced diet: A balanced diet contains adequate amounts of three types of macronutrients: carbohydrates, fat, and protein. In terms of carbohydrates, whole grains are preferred over simple carbohydrates and highly processed grains, as they are healthier and may improve sleep. Studies have also found that consuming too much or too little protein can negatively impact sleep. 
• Eat your fruits and vegetables: A balanced diet should also contain ample fruits and vegetables. Eating an adequate amount of fruits and vegetables, that is high in fiber and vitamins, has also been linked to better sleep.
• Eat at regular times: The timing of when a person eats meals can impact their circadian rhythms, which also influence when a person wants to be asleep or awake. Eating late at night or within two hours of sleep may lead to less restful sleep. Irregular meal times may also impact sleep and are associated with higher rates of obesity.
• Avoid sleep disruptors: Caffeine has been found to disrupt sleep, even when consumed six hours before bedtime. Caffeine can be found in tea, coffee, soda, energy drinks, and chocolate. Alcohol is another sleep disruptor. Though it may help some people fall asleep faster, ultimately, alcohol can lead to lower quality sleep and more frequent overnight awakenings.
• Avoid nighttime acid reflux: Acid reflux can disrupt a person’s sleep. Eating certain foods in the evening may make acid reflux more likely. These foods include spicy foods, fried foods, high-fat foods, and junk foods. Avoiding these foods and avoiding eating in the two hours before bed may help a person avoid acid reflux at night and the poor sleep associated with it.

Contact a doctor or registered dietician if you want help identifying the best diet to meet your nutrition needs.