Kiwifruit, Tart Cherry Juice, and high dairy intake 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. 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 promote sleep in elite athletes The current body of evidence comprises 1 study. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 32/100 (low).
The Claim
Kiwifruit, Tart Cherry Juice, and high dairy intake promote sleep in elite athletes
This conclusion is most relevant to: Elite athletes with sleep problems.
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)
- ▸Tryptophan-rich foods increase serotonin and melatonin production
- ▸Carbohydrate pre-bed may enhance tryptophan uptake via insulin-mediated competition
- ▸Result: Improved sleep onset and quality
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Elite athletes with sleep problems
Recommended Dose
N/A
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Limited sample sizes across included studies (median group size 19)
- ▸Scoping review design does not provide quantitative meta-analysis; results are descriptive
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 have a ceiling effect?▼
Elite athletes already consuming >2.5 g·kg⁻¹ body mass of protein or meeting sleep duration needs may not see additional sleep benefits from protein supplementation.
What is the main limitation of the evidence reviewed?▼
The studies had small sample sizes (median 19 participants) and the scoping review design limits the ability to draw causal conclusions.
Are these nutrition strategies recommended for all athletes?▼
The review suggests potential benefits, but further research is needed before broad recommendations, especially given the unique demands of elite athletes.
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