Abstract
Growing evidence suggests that diet alteration affects sleep, but this has not yet been studied in adults with insomnia symptoms. We aimed to determine the effect of a six-month diet intervention on sleep among overweight and obese (Body mass index, BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) men with chronic insomnia symptoms. Forty-nine men aged 30–65 years with chronic insomnia symptoms were randomized into diet (n = 28) or control (n = 21) groups. The diet group underwent a six-month individualized diet intervention with three face-to-face counseling sessions and online supervision 1–3 times per week; 300–500 kcal/day less energy intake and optimized nutrient composition were recommended. Controls were instructed to maintain their habitual lifestyle. Sleep parameters were determined by piezoelectric bed sensors, a sleep diary, and a Basic Nordic sleep questionnaire. Compared to the controls, the diet group had shorter objective sleep onset latency after intervention. Within the diet group, prolonged objective total sleep time, improved objective sleep efficiency, lower depression score, less subjective nocturnal awakenings, and nocturia were found after intervention. In conclusion, modest energy restriction and optimized nutrient composition shorten sleep onset latency in overweight and obese men with insomnia symptoms.
Highlights
Insomnia is a highly prevalent sleep disorder and has become a significant health issue in many countries
In this study we found that a six-month diet intervention was associated with reduced body weight, fat mass, and curtailed objective sleep onset latency among overweight and obese men with chronic insomnia symptoms
A recent study reported that one-week ad libitum feeding with increased calorie density resulted in increased sleep/wake fragmentation in mice [11], which indicates a link between excessive energy consumption and disturbed sleep
Summary
Insomnia is a highly prevalent sleep disorder and has become a significant health issue in many countries. A growing body of evidence suggests that overweight and obesity are significant risk factors for impaired sleep and insomnia [7,8,9]. Growing evidence suggest that diet alterations can directly influence sleep parameters [10,11]. No previous study has investigated whether diet intervention leads to improved sleep parameters related to insomnia symptoms, such as sleep onset latency. There is a lack of data regarding the effects of diet-induced weight loss on sleep among overweight and obese populations, especially in men, among which the combined prevalence of overweight and obesity is higher than women in Finland [15]. The present study aimed to investigate whether sleep parameters among overweight and obese men with chronic insomnia symptoms can be improved through a six-month diet intervention. We hypothesized that reduced energy intake and optimized nutrient composition can improve one or multiple objectively and subjectively measured sleep parameters
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
