Assessment of dietary pattern and sleep quality of middle age in the Gujarati community.

Sleep plays an important role in brain function and human physiology including metabolism, appetite regulation, immunity as well as hormonal and cardiovascular systems. As people age, sleep quality declines. (1) Over recent decades, dietary patterns have changed with more frequent eating events over a longer period throughout the day. Several studies reported an association between skipping breakfast and CVD, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. (3)

Recently, dietary intake and sleep have gained much attention to understanding dietary factors influencing sleep. Eg. Amino acid and tryptophan-rich food like milk improve sleep. Melatonin is a well-recognized sleep inducer that conveys information about the daily cycle of light and darkness to the body. (9) Some research demonstrated a high concentration of melatonin and serotonin ( sleep-promoting hormone ) eg. Cherries improve sleep duration and quality. Some people experience poor quality of sleep with late-night use of technology and work. (2,5,7)

Greater risk of overweight and obesity is seen with consuming a higher percentage of daily energy intake during the evening and night time. (3)

Studies have reported that higher energy intake especially from fat and snacks is linked with short sleepers (sleep <7 h/night) than than of normal sleepers. (4) It has been reported that a higher intake of fruits, vegetables, and legumes is linked with faster sleep onset. (6,7) worse sleep was associated with a higher intake of processed and free-sugar rich foods. (8)

Caffeine, a component present in coffee and tea causes a decrease in total sleep time and quality. More arousals during the night are associated with the consumption of a higher saturated fat intake during the day. (9)

Poor quality of sleep is a complex problem in the global population leading to a decrease in quality of life. Fewer studies are conducted to know changes in dietary patterns and their effect on sleep quality. Thus, this study will help us understand the relationship between dietary patterns and sleep quality.