Kiwifruit, Tart Cherry Juice, and high dairy intake (limited to females) promote sleep in elite athletes
This scoping review identified that kiwifruit, Tart Cherry Juice, and high dairy intake (limited to females) demonstrated the highest potential to promote sleep in elite athletes, despite limited sample sizes. The median participant group size was 19 across 12 included studies. Protein-based interventions may have a ceiling effect when athletes already consume >2.5 g·kg⁻¹ body mass or meet sleep duration needs.
This article is automatically generated from the structured evidence profile behind the claim above. Scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical advice.
Kiwifruit, Tart Cherry Juice, and high dairy intake (limited to females) promote sleep in elite athletes The current body of evidence comprises 1 study. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 7/100 (low).
The Claim
Kiwifruit, Tart Cherry Juice, and high dairy intake (limited to females) promote sleep in elite athletes
This conclusion is most relevant to: Elite athletes.
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Nutrition Strategies to Promote Sleep in Elite Athletes: A Scoping Review. (Sports (Basel, Switzerland), 2025) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Nutrient interventions may influence neurotransmitter synthesis (e.g., serotonin, melatonin)
- ▸Improved sleep onset and maintenance via bioactive compounds
- ▸Potential hormonal or metabolic effects specific to elite athlete demands
- ▸Result: Improved sleep quality in elite athletes
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Elite athletes
Recommended Dose
N/A
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Limited sample sizes (median group size 19)
- ▸Scoping review design with heterogeneous study types, not a meta-analysis
- ▸Potential ceiling effect for protein-based interventions not fully explored
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific foods were found to promote sleep in elite athletes?▼
Kiwifruit, Tart Cherry Juice, and high dairy intake (limited to females) showed the highest potential.
Why might protein-based interventions not work for elite athletes?▼
Elite athletes often already consume high protein (>2.5 g·kg⁻¹ body mass) or meet sleep duration needs, leading to a ceiling effect on sleep quality.
How many studies were included in this review?▼
12 studies met the inclusion criteria, with a median participant group size of 19.
What is the main limitation of this evidence?▼
The small sample sizes and scoping review design limit the strength of conclusions; further research is warranted.
References
- 1.Rackard G, Madigan SM, Connolly J, Keaver L, Ryan L, Doherty R. “Nutrition Strategies to Promote Sleep in Elite Athletes: A Scoping Review..” Sports (Basel, Switzerland), 2025. PMID: 41150477 DOI: 10.3390/sports13100342