Association Between Macronutrient Intakes and Sleep Quality in Middle-Aged and Older Population in Singapore

Abstract

Abstract Objectives Quality sleep is essential to health and poor sleep may increase the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Previous studies have reported that macronutrient intakes, such as dietary protein, may be associated with sleep quality. However research, on this relationship in older adults who often exhibit poorer sleep quality is still limited. Therefore, the objective of this research is to assess the association between macronutrient intakes and sleep quality in middle-aged and older population in Singapore. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 104 men and women (59 ± 6 years) were recruited within Singapore. Their food intakes and sleep quality were assessed using 3-day food records and Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index questionnaire, respectively. In addition, plasma amino acid concentration was measured from the collected blood samples. The relationship between diet, plasma amino acids and sleep quality were evaluated using multiple linear regression and adjusted for age, BMI and gender. Results From this study, no association were observed between total energy intake (%E) from protein and tryptophan (Trp) intakes and sleep quality parameters. However, %E from fat was positively associated with sleep efficiency (SE%) (β-coefficient = 19.6, P = 0.02). A similar positive association with SE% was also observed for mono- and poly-unsaturated fatty acids. In contrast, %E from carbohydrate was inversely associated with SE% (β-coefficient = −21.2, P = 0.03). Sugar intake was also inversely associated with sleep quality parameters. Although plasma Trp concentration was not associated with sleep quality parameters, Trp and large neutral amino acids concentration ratio was inversely associated with sleep duration (β-coefficient = −19.2, P = 0.02). Conclusions In conclusion, consuming a diet with a higher energy from fat and lower energy from carbohydrate may improve sleep quality in Singapore middle-aged and older adults. The type of fat and carbohydrate consumed may also affect sleep quality. Funding Sources This research study is funded by the National University of Singapore (Grant number: R-143–000-A03–133).