The research has identified key nutrients that may play a vital role in helping humans to develop wellness through healthy sleep patterns. At the same time, there are food types which can have a detrimental effect on sleep.
Vitamin C plays an important role in the diet, and a lack of this vitamin can be one of the biggest culprits behind sleep deprivation. Being dehydrated and consuming too much fatty food can also be vital clues as to why your sleep patterns are so out of synch.
Scientists found that vitamin C, which can be found in dark leafy greens, oranges, peppers and broccoli amongst other things, can be vital for getting a good night’s sleep, as can selenium, a nutrient which is found in meat, nuts and shellfish and lycopene, which is found in orange and red-coloured foods.
Harmful habits include indulging in a diet that is high in saturated fat and also taking in too much choline, which is found in fatty meats and eggs. The usual offenders can also take their fair share of the blame, as chocolate, tea and alcohol can also affect the wellbeing of those who overindulge in them before bedtime.
Participants in the study disclosed the full details of their dietary intake, and their sleep habits were then categorised as very short, short, normal or long. The dietary differences were then compared between groups whose sleep habits differed, which highlighted the foods which appeared to be linked to positive sleep habits and those which seemed to contribute to negative ones.