Poor Sleep Quality and Metabolic Health: Their Association with Dietary Intake and Obesity Risk

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between dietary nutrient intake, and sleep quality in obese individuals.

Material and Method: Sixty individuals included in the study were classified according to Body Mass Index (BMI): 30 individuals with normal body weight formed the control group, and 30 obese individuals formed the study group. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).

Results: Obese individuals had significantly higher median PSQI total scores (Z=-4.041, p<0.001), indicating poorer sleep quality, as well as higher scores in sleep quality (Z=-4.001, p<0.001), sleep latency (Z=-2.113, p=0.035), and daytime dysfunction (Z=-2.496, p=0.013). PSQI total scores positively correlated with BMI (r=0.398, p=0.029) and body weight (r=0.602, p<0.001). Sleep medication correlated positively with carbohydrates (r=0.369, p=0.045) and negatively with cholesterol (r=-0.471, p=0.009) intake; better sleep quality was linked to higher polyunsaturated fat (r=0.349, p = 0.031), and lower folate-associated PSQI scores (r=-0.396, p=0.045).

Conclusion: In this study, sleep quality was found to be lower in individuals with obesity compared to those with normal body weight and was associated with the intake of specific nutrients; accordingly, poor sleep quality may be associated with obesity, and it is suggested that, in the management of obesity, sleep quality should be considered within a holistic approach alongside nutrition.