Sleep Duration Linked To Dietary Patterns

A U.S. study finds that certain nutrients seem to play a fundamental role in whether people sleep a long time or only a short time. The researchers say their data show that people whose diet is diverse and well-balanced – basically, a healthy diet – had the healthiest sleep patterns. Data were gathered from the CDC’s NHANE survey, which included dietary and health-related questions. Participants were grouped according to their usual; sleep pattern: very short (less than five hours), short (five to six hours), etc. Long sleep was associated with less intake of theobromine (found in chocolate and tea), dodecanoic acid (a saturated fat), choline (found in eggs and fatty meats), total carbohydrates – and more alcohol.