Dietary Inflammatory Index and Sleep Quality in Southern Italian Adults

Abstract

Background: Current evidence supports the central role of a subclinical, low-grade inflammation in a number of chronic illnesses and mental disorders; however, studies on sleep quality are scarce. The aim of this study was to test the association between the inflammatory potential of the diet and sleep quality in a cohort of Italian adults. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of baseline data of the Mediterranean healthy Eating, Aging, and Lifestyle (MEAL) study was conducted on 1936 individuals recruited in the urban area of Catania during 2014–2015 through random sampling. A food frequency questionnaire and other validated instruments were used to calculate the dietary inflammatory index (DII®) and assess sleep quality (Pittsburg sleep quality index). Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the association between exposure and outcome. Results: Individuals in the highest quartile of the DII were less likely to have adequate sleep quality (odds ratio (OR) = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.31, 0.78). Among individual domains of sleep quality, an association with the highest exposure category was found only for sleep latency (OR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.39, 0.93). Conclusions: The inflammatory potential of the diet appears to be associated with sleep quality in adults. Interventions to improve diet quality might consider including a dietary component that aims to lower chronic systemic inflammation to prevent cognitive decline and improve sleep quality.

Association of carbonated soft drink and fast food intake with stress-related sleep disturbance among adolescents: A global perspective from 64 countries

“…However, these restaurants may also offer nutrient balanced foods, which are quickly prepared and eaten during a short time. Other research has demonstrated that high calorie, low-nutrient density foods with high proinflammatory potential are those foods associated with sleep problems, rather than the fast food regardless its nutritional value [ 44 , 45 ]. Assessment of carbonated soft drinks did not specify energy drinks which are also known to be associated with reduced sleep quality [46] .…”

Specific Dietary (Poly)phenols Are Associated with Sleep Quality in a Cohort of Italian Adults

“…Dietary (poly)phenols have been related to several potential health benefits [20]: recently, they have been hypothesized to also play a role in brain health [21,22]. We previously reported that individuals more adherent to healthy dietary patterns (i.e., the Mediterranean diet) and to a diet with low inflammatory potential were more likely to have higher sleep quality [23,24]. In the present study, we aimed to test whether total, subclasses of and individual (poly)phenols may be candidate molecules associated with sleep quality in a cohort of Italian adults.…”

<p>Adherence to a Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH)-Style in Relation to Daytime Sleepiness</p>

“…35 Another study found that following a diet with low inflammatory index (such as DASH diet) improved sleep quality. 36 Dietary modification may be a practical approach to preventing sleep disorders. In line with our results, in a previous study, it has been found that a sodium-restricted diet (maximum intake of 3 g of sodium per day) for one week improved the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea compared with control group.…”

“…Additionally, DASH diet has been associated with inflammation, 43 which in turn is associated with scarce sleep medicine, 44 Up to date, only one study investigated the correlation between inflammatory potential of the diet and sleep, and showed that individuals adherent to a proinflammatory diet report worse sleep quality. 36 Studies have shown that weight disorders such as overweight and obesity are usually associated with sleep problems, 45 and some studies have shown that adherence to DASH diet has helped to correct this trend; 46,47 therefore, it is expected that adherence to DASH diet can improve some sleep disorders such as insomnia. Interestingly, obesity has been demonstrated to be a modifying factor of the correlation between higher adherences to the Mediterranean diet and sleep features.…”