Association between nutritional status and sleep quality in older adults: an update.

Abstract

Purpose of review: The complex association between nutritional status and sleep quality in older adults remains poorly understood. This review critically examines recent advances and the potential of targeted nutritional interventions to enhance sleep and promote healthy aging.

Recent findings: Emerging evidence links malnutrition and imbalances in key micronutrients and macronutrients to poor sleep quality in older adults. Studies highlight that adherence to plant-based diets, adequate consumption of milk and marine fish, and avoidance of stimulants such as green tea and coffee are associated with better sleep outcomes. Supplementation with specific nutrients, including methyl donor nutrients and amino acid derivatives, shows promise in improving sleep parameters. Additionally, social determinants influencing nutritional status also impact sleep quality. However, the majority of current evidence is observational, and randomized controlled trials remain limited in size, duration, and focus, often examining isolated nutrients rather than comprehensive dietary patterns.

Summary: Nutritional status is a modifiable factor that significantly influences sleep quality in older adults. While current findings support the potential of dietary and supplemental interventions to improve sleep, robust clinical trials and mechanistic research are needed to establish causality and optimize personalized nutrition strategies for healthy aging and better sleep health.