Short on Sleep? Your Fruit and Veggie Intake Could Be to Blame

A recent study finds a correlation between consuming fruits and vegetables and the impact on sleep duration.

The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition, found that individuals who consume fewer fruits and vegetables daily tend to have irregular sleep durations, either shorter or longer than average.

Today, the duration and quality of sleep have become significant concerns concerning quality of life.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults aged 18 to 60 should sleep at least 7 hours per day. However, about 30% of adults sleep less than this recommended amount.

Previous studies suggest that appropriate sleep duration is a risk factor for metabolic diseases, cancer, and other health conditions. Sleep patterns, in particular, are influenced by various environmental factors, including sleep environment, mental health, and more. The new study shows that diet can also impact sleep patterns. The research team analyzed the correlation between sleep and nutritional intake by looking into the sleep and nutrition of 5043 Finnish adults. Through surveys, they also received information about the participants’ socioeconomic status, Body Mass Index (BMI), physical activity, and health issues.

Moreover, the researchers checked whether the participants met the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended daily intake of approximately 400g of fruits and vegetables.

The study found that participants with shorter or longer sleep durations consumed fewer fruits and vegetables. The researchers explained that those with shorter sleep durations consumed an average of 37g less, while those with longer sleep durations consumed an average of 73.4g less.

The researchers concluded that a person’s diet, particularly their intake of fruits and vegetables, can influence sleep patterns.