Ultra-Processed Foods Could Be Contributing to Chronic Insomnia, Study Reveals

While ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have been previously associated with various health problems, such as diabetes and heart disease, a new study shows that they could be a contributor to chronic insomnia.

The study was able to discover a statistically significant link between higher chronic insomnia risk and increased UPF consumption.

UPF and Chronic Insomnia

Such ultra-processed foods could comprise any type of food that is heavily modified for taste enhancement, mass production, or longer shelf life. They are unlike foods like vegetables and fruits.

As part of the study, researchers examined data gathered on 38,570 adults as part of the research project of NutriNet-Sante. They mapped diet data against variables of sleep.

Marie-Pierre St-Onge, a sleep and nutrition specialist from Columbia University, explained that with more and more foods becoming highly processed and sleep disturbances becoming even more rampant, it is crucial to see if diet could lead to good or adverse quality sleep.

After accounting for lifestyle, sociodemographic factors, mental health, and diet quality factors, the team was able to observe a statistically significant link between higher consumption of UPFs and an increased risk of having chronic insomnia.

Generally, the participants obtain 16% of their daily energy from such UPFs. Meanwhile, 19.4% of them also reported chronic insomnia symptoms. They also tended to have higher UPF consumption.

The study also found that the link was a bit stronger for men. While the study mainly depended on self-reporting and looked into single points, the massive number of people it included suggests an association that is worth looking into.

Epidemiologist Pauline Duquenne, who is from Sorbonne Paris Nord University, explained that it is crucial to note that the study was mainly observational and cross-sectional. They also did not look into longitudinal links.

Though a causal relationship was not established, the study serves as the first of its kind and may help contribute to understanding UPFs.

Findings were noted in "The association between ultra-processed food consumption and chronic insomnia in the NutriNet-Santé Study."

Given the findings of earlier studies and the association between sleep and diet, it is not shocking that UPFs could affect the risk of chronic insomnia.

Some of these researchers have also previously discovered a link between lower insomnia risk and a Mediterranean diet. This study sheds light on the other side of things.

ALSO READ : Ultra-Processed Foods Linked to Shorter Lifespan, Study Reveals; How Dangerous Are They?

Chronic Insomnia

Insomnia generally refers to disruptions in feelings and functioning due to poor sleep quality or duration. Roughly 10% of the global population have insomnia, which may qualify as a medical condition.

As for chronic insomnia, the condition must meet certain characteristics for it to qualify.

For one, chronic insomnia involves insomnia without any circumstances that could interfere with one's sleeping ability. An insomnia diagnosis would require difficulties with sleep, even if one has the right environment and time for sleeping.

Chronic insomnia also involves frequent insomnia episodes at least three times a week. It must also persist for a period of at least three months.

Insomnia should also not take place due to medications, substances, or other sleep disorders.