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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.

Last updated: Jul 8, 2026•0 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score7/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★☆☆☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Nutrition Strategies to Promote Sleep in Elite Athletes: A Scoping Review.

observational

Rackard G, Madigan SM, Connolly J, Keaver L, Ryan L, Doherty R · Sports (Basel, Switzerland) (2025)

Participants: N/A
Duration: N/A
Intervention: Kiwifruit, Tart Cherry Juice, high dairy intake (limited to females)
Outcome: Sleep quality and quantity
Effect Size: N/A
Population: Elite athletes

Result:

PubMed: 41150477DOI: 10.3390/sports13100342

Mechanism Graph

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

Limitations

  • ⚠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.

Products

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References

  1. 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
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.