Nutritional interventions such as carbohydrate, caffeine, creatine, kiwifruit, magnesium, meal timing, protein, and tart cherry may improve sleep duration and quality in athletes.
The review indicates that certain nutritional strategies and supplements have an evidence base for improving sleep in athletes, including carbohydrate, caffeine, creatine, kiwifruit, magnesium, meal make-up and timing, protein, and tart cherry. However, further research is needed to clarify interactions between nutrition and the circadian system. The paper does not provide specific effect sizes or quantitative outcomes.
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.
Nutritional interventions such as carbohydrate, caffeine, creatine, kiwifruit, magnesium, meal timing, protein, and tart cherry may improve sleep duration and quality in athletes. The current body of evidence comprises 1 study. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 32/100 (low).
The Claim
Nutritional interventions such as carbohydrate, caffeine, creatine, kiwifruit, magnesium, meal timing, protein, and tart cherry may improve sleep duration and quality in athletes.
This conclusion is most relevant to: Athletes with high sleep needs and vulnerability to sleep difficulties due to training and competition demands.
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Sleep and nutrition for athletes. The Nutrition Society, Scottish Section Conference 2024. (The Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Nutritional interventions may influence neurotransmitter synthesis (e.g., serotonin, melatonin)
- ▸Certain nutrients may modulate circadian clock gene expression
- ▸Meal timing and composition may affect core body temperature and sleep onset
- ▸Result: Improved sleep duration and quality
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Athletes with high sleep needs and vulnerability to sleep difficulties due to training and competition demands
Recommended Dose
N/A
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸The paper is a review and does not present original experimental data or effect sizes
- ▸Further research is necessary to clarify guidelines and develop specific products and protocols
Frequently Asked Questions
Which specific supplements are mentioned as having evidence for improving sleep in athletes?▼
The review mentions carbohydrate, caffeine, creatine, kiwifruit, magnesium, protein, and tart cherry as having an evidence base.
Does the paper recommend a specific dose of magnesium or tart cherry for sleep?▼
No, the paper does not provide specific doses; it only notes that these interventions have an evidence base and calls for further research.
What is the main conclusion about nutrition and sleep for athletes?▼
Nutritional interventions may improve sleep duration and quality, but more research is needed to understand interactions with the circadian system and to develop clear guidelines.
Are there any negative effects of caffeine on sleep mentioned?▼
The paper does not discuss negative effects; it lists caffeine as one of the interventions with an evidence base, likely in the context of timing or dosage.
References
- 1.Doherty R, Madigan S, Warrington G, Ellis JG. “Sleep and nutrition for athletes. The Nutrition Society, Scottish Section Conference 2024..” The Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 2026. PMID: 39556011 DOI: 10.1017/S0029665124007535