Dietary Nutrient Intake and Disordered Sleep
A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutrition and Public Health".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 July 2026 | Viewed by 2
Special Issue Editor
Interests: sleep medicine; sleep apnea; obesity; sleep–wake schedules; sleepiness; insomnia
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Dietary nutrient intake plays a significant role in sleep quantity and quality through its influence on neurochemical, hormonal, and circadian processes.
Macronutrient composition affects sleep regulation. A balanced carbohydrate intake facilitates melatonin synthesis, while high saturated fat is associated with lighter and more fragmented sleep. Excessive protein intake late in the day may impair sleep onset.
Micronutrients are also critical for optimal sleep regulation. Magnesium supports neuromuscular relaxation and central nervous system inhibition, and inadequate intake is linked to insomnia symptoms. Calcium contributes to melatonin synthesis, while vitamin D influences circadian rhythm regulation, with deficiency associated with reduced sleep duration and increased sleep disturbances. B vitamins, particularly B6, B12, and folate, are involved in neurotransmitter synthesis and circadian timing. Omega-3 fatty acids have been associated with improved sleep efficiency and regulation of melatonin secretion.
Dietary timing and overall eating patterns further modulate sleep outcomes. Furthermore, late-night energy-dense meals, caffeine consumption in the hours preceding bedtime, and alcohol intake negatively affect sleep continuity and REM sleep. In contrast, nutrient-dense dietary patterns, such as the Mediterranean diet, characterized by a high intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and unsaturated fats, are consistently associated with improved sleep quality.
In this Special Issue, we welcome articles concerning the impact of diet on sleep and vice versa. A better understanding of their possible interactions could improve both public health and clinical practice.
Prof. Dr. Georgia Trakada
Guest Editor
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Keywords
- sleep quality
- sleep duration
- sleep–wake cycle
- diet
- mediterranean
- vegetarian
- vegan
- meal time
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