Higher dietary intake of lignans and hydroxycinnamic acids is associated with better sleep quality in Italian adults
In a cohort of 1936 Italian adults, higher dietary intake of lignans and hydroxycinnamic acids was significantly associated with lower odds of inadequate sleep quality, as measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Specific compounds naringenin, apigenin, and matairesinol also showed inverse associations. The association was stronger in normal-weight individuals, while no significant associations were found in overweight/obese individuals.
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Higher dietary intake of lignans and hydroxycinnamic acids is associated with better sleep quality in Italian adults The current body of evidence comprises 1 study. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 34/100 (low).
The Claim
Higher dietary intake of lignans and hydroxycinnamic acids is associated with better sleep quality in Italian adults
This conclusion is most relevant to: 1936 adults living in southern Italy.
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Specific Dietary (Poly)phenols Are Associated with Sleep Quality in a Cohort of Italian Adults. (Nutrients, 2021) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Dietary (poly)phenols modulate neuro-inflammation
- ▸They influence adult neurogenesis
- ▸They affect synaptic and neuronal plasticity
- ▸Result: Improved sleep quality
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸1936 adults living in southern Italy
Recommended Dose
N/A (dietary intake quartiles used, no specific dose)
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Cross-sectional design prevents establishing causality
- ▸Dietary intake assessed via self-reported food frequency questionnaires, which may introduce recall bias
- ▸Findings may not generalize to non-Italian or overweight/obese populations
Frequently Asked Questions
Which specific (poly)phenols were associated with better sleep quality?▼
Naringenin and apigenin (flavonoids) and matairesinol (lignan) were associated with better sleep quality.
Did the association between (poly)phenols and sleep quality differ by weight status?▼
Yes, the association was stronger in normal-weight individuals, while no significant associations were found in overweight/obese individuals.
How was sleep quality measured in this study?▼
Sleep quality was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), a validated self-report questionnaire.
What dietary sources of lignans and hydroxycinnamic acids might improve sleep?▼
Lignans are found in seeds (e.g., flaxseeds), whole grains, and vegetables; hydroxycinnamic acids are abundant in coffee, fruits (e.g., apples, berries), and whole grains.
References
- 1.Godos J, Ferri R, Castellano S, Angelino D, Mena P, Del Rio D, Caraci F, Galvano F, Grosso G. “Specific Dietary (Poly)phenols Are Associated with Sleep Quality in a Cohort of Italian Adults..” Nutrients, 2021. PMID: 32357534 DOI: 10.3390/nu12051226