FlavonoidsApigenin

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.

Last updated: Aug 26, 2026•0 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score34/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Specific Dietary (Poly)phenols Are Associated with Sleep Quality in a Cohort of Italian Adults.

observational

Godos J, Ferri R, Castellano S, Angelino D, Mena P, Del Rio D, Caraci F, Galvano F, Grosso G · Nutrients (2021)

Participants: N/A
Duration: N/A (cross-sectional)
Intervention: Dietary intake of (poly)phenols (total, subclasses, and individual compounds) assessed via food frequency questionnaires
Outcome: Sleep quality measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), categorized as inadequate vs. adequate
Effect Size: N/A (odds ratios reported but not specified in abstract)
Population: 1936 adults living in southern Italy

Result:

PubMed: 32357534DOI: 10.3390/nu12051226

Mechanism Graph

Dietary (poly)phenols modulate neuro-inflammation
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They influence adult neurogenesis
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They affect synaptic and neuronal plasticity
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Result: Improved sleep quality

Limitations

  • ⚠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.

Products

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References

  1. 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
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.