Effects of Dietary Timing and Nutrient Intake on Sleep Quality and Human Health

Dear Colleagues,

Emerging evidence suggests that both the timing and composition of food intake are critical determinants of sleep quality and overall human health. The field of chrononutrition, which examines the interactions among circadian rhythms, meal timing, and metabolism, has shown that irregular eating patterns and late-night food consumption can disrupt circadian alignment, impair glucose regulation, and reduce sleep efficiency. In contrast, dietary patterns rich in plant-based foods, fiber, and specific nutrients such as tryptophan, omega-3 fatty acids, and magnesium have been linked to improved sleep duration and architecture. Despite increasing scientific interest, the biological mechanisms underlying these associations remain incompletely understood, particularly with regard to hormonal regulation, metabolic signaling, and gut–brain axis interactions. This Special Issue aims to advance current knowledge on how dietary timing, nutrient composition, and circadian factors interact to influence sleep physiology and related health outcomes. It welcomes contributions from epidemiological, clinical, and mechanistic studies employing objective sleep assessments, as well as rigorous systematic reviews and meta-analyses that synthesize current evidence to inform nutritional strategies for optimizing sleep and long-term health.

Dr. Monica Dinu
Dr. Sofia Lotti
Guest Editors

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