While this research does not prove cause-and-effect, it supports the likelihood that diet affects hormonal pathways involved in sleep. One large study found a lack of key nutrients, such as calcium, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, D, E, and K to be associated with sleep problems. Growing evidence indicates that sufficient nutrient consumption is important for sleep. Instead, what appears most important is that a person gets adequate nutrition without overconsuming unhealthy foods.Ī central role of nutrition is having a high enough intake of a broad range of vitamins and minerals that enable almost all types of bodily systems and processes. What Is the Best Diet for Sleep?Īs a general rule, a balanced diet made up largely of a variety of vegetables and fruits is able to provide the recommended daily intake of vitamins and nutrients, contributing to better sleep while promoting a healthy weight.īecause both sleep and nutrition are extremely complex and involve multiple interconnected systems of the body, it is challenging to conduct research studies that conclusively demonstrate a single diet that is best for sleep. The links between nutrition and obesity, diabetes, and heart health are well-known, but many people are unaware that their diet can also affect sleep. “You are what you eat” may be a cliche, but it reflects the fact that nutrition serves as a backbone for health, providing the energy we need and other inputs that make the body function properly. Most nutrition comes from food, but other sources, like drinks and dietary supplements, are contributors as well. Proper nutrition requires obtaining a healthy balance of macronutrients and the necessary intake of vitamins and minerals. Minerals are classified as either macrominerals or trace minerals depending on how much of them we need. Numerous minerals are needed to power different systems of the body.Vitamins play specific roles in a multitude of bodily processes, and there are 13 essential vitamins.Macronutrients include carbohydrates, protein and amino acids, fats, fiber, and water.Human nutrition is composed of macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Nutrition is made up of the food and other substances that allow the body to have energy and function properly. Recognizing the connections between sleep and nutrition creates opportunities to optimize both in order to eat smarter, sleep better, and live a healthier life. At the same time, getting enough sleep is associated with maintaining a healthier body weight and can be beneficial for people who are trying to lose weight.

It’s no secret that both nutrition and sleep play a fundamental role in our health, but the complex and important relationships between them are frequently overlooked.ĭiet and nutrition can influence the quality of your sleep, and certain foods and drinks can make it easier or harder to get the sleep that you need.

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