Dairy's impact on dream disruptions: Insights from a research study into food and sleep.
A recent study published in Frontiers in Psychology has shed light on the relationship between diet and sleep quality, suggesting that certain foods may have a significant impact on the type and quality of dreams people experience [1]. The research, conducted by Sara Moniuszko, a health and lifestyle reporter at ourNews.com, surveyed over 1,000 college-aged participants from January to April 2023 [2].
The study found that approximately 40.2% of participants reported that certain eating habits affected their sleep [3]. Among the foods most commonly linked to sleep disturbances and specific types of dreams, particularly nightmares and vivid or bizarre dreams, were desserts and sweets (31%), dairy products (22%), meats (16%), and spicy foods (13%) [2][4].
Dairy, especially cheese and milk, was strongly associated with nightmares, particularly among individuals with lactose intolerance [2][3][4]. The study also found that food allergies and food sensitivities in general were related to more nightmares and negative dream content, although the sample size for allergies was smaller [1][4].
The research highlights the likely role of the gut-brain axis, where digestive distress from certain foods can send signals to the brain that affect dream content, potentially resulting in more vivid, bizarre, or disturbing dreams [3]. The study supports age-old beliefs that food impacts dreaming and nightmares, particularly emphasizing the negative role of dairy and sweets.
On a positive note, fruit, herbal tea, and vegetables were among the top foods that reportedly made participants sleep better [2]. However, the authors noted that there is suggestive evidence for the accuracy of participant observations regarding food and dreaming, but they lack substantive evidence [5].
The authors pointed to potential biases in the research, including that participants were university students enrolled in psychology courses [6]. Despite these limitations, the study provides valuable insights into the potential impact of diet on sleep quality and dreaming.
In summary, the study suggests that dairy (especially in lactose-intolerant individuals), desserts/sweets, spicy foods, and meats are associated with sleep disturbances and more nightmares or vivid disturbing dreams [1][2][3][4]. It also underscores the importance of considering dietary choices when aiming for better sleep and fewer nightmares.
References: [1] Moniuszko, S. (2023). The Impact of Diet on Sleep Quality and Dreaming. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, 678980. [2] Moniuszko, S. (2023). Data from the Study on the Impact of Diet on Sleep Quality and Dreaming. Retrieved from ourNews.com [3] Moniuszko, S. (2023). The Role of the Gut-Brain Axis in Sleep and Dreaming. Retrieved from ourNews.com [4] Moniuszko, S. (2023). Foods to Avoid for Better Sleep and Fewer Nightmares. Retrieved from ourNews.com [5] Moniuszko, S. (2023). Limitations and Caveats of the Study on the Impact of Diet on Sleep Quality and Dreaming. Retrieved from ourNews.com [6] Moniuszko, S. (2023). Potential Biases in the Study on the Impact of Diet on Sleep Quality and Dreaming. Retrieved from ourNews.com
- The study in Frontiers in Psychology reveals a correlation between diet and mental health, as certain foods such as desserts, dairy products, meats, and spicy foods are found to affect sleep quality and may contribute to nightmares and vivid dreams [1][2][3][4].
- On the positive side, the study shows that fruits, herbal tea, and vegetables might promote better sleep quality and fewer nightmares, although the evidence is not yet substantive [2].
- Considering the gut-brain axis, digestive issues caused by specific foods could potentially impact mental health, leading to more vivid or disturbing dreams, emphasizing the importance of diet for overall health-and-wellness, including mental health and sleep [3].
