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Current Nutrition Reports

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01-09-2021 | Nutrition and Aging (Y Gu, Section Editor)

The Relationship Between Diet and Sleep in Older Adults: a Narrative Review

Authors: Charlotte C. Gupta, Christopher Irwin, Grace E. Vincent, Saman Khalesi

Published in: Current Nutrition Reports | Issue 3/2021

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Older adults more frequently experience reduced sleep quality and quantity compared to younger adults. Diet is one modifiable lifestyle factor that may influence sleep outcomes in older adults. The purpose of this review is to synthesise the current literature investigating the impact of diet, including foods and nutrients, on the sleep quality and quantity of older adults.

Recent Findings

Overall, the observational and intervention studies suggest that following a Mediterranean diet, and the consumption of certain food items (e.g. milk), and nutrients (e.g. vitamin D and vitamin E) may influence (improve or reduce) sleep quality and quantity.

Summary

This review describes the potential efficacy for dietary factors to improve sleep outcomes in older adults. However, given the heterogeneity of included studies in this review (i.e. aims, methodologies, and outcomes assessed), it is difficult to consolidate the available evidence to make specific recommendations. More targeted research exploring the relationship between diet and sleep in older adults is needed to strengthen the current evidence base.

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Title: The Relationship Between Diet and Sleep in Older Adults: a Narrative Review
Authors: Charlotte C. Gupta
Christopher Irwin
Grace E. Vincent
Saman Khalesi
Publication date: 01-09-2021
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Current Nutrition Reports / Issue 3/2021
Electronic ISSN: 2161-3311
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13668-021-00362-4

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Recent Findings

Summary

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