Recent Study Links Ultra-Processed Foods to Chronic Insomnia
A recent study published in the journal “Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics” has found that ultra-processed foods may contribute to chronic insomnia in some individuals. Researchers from Sorbonne University in Paris analyzed data from 38,570 adults collected as part of the “NutriNet-Santé” research project. They then correlated the participants’ dietary data with variables related to their sleep habits.
The researchers discovered a statistically significant association between increased consumption of highly processed foods and an increased risk of chronic insomnia. This association held true even after considering factors such as the participants’ sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle, diet quality, and mental health status.
Highly processed foods accounted for approximately 16% of the total daily caloric intake of the study participants. Among these participants, 19.4% reported suffering from chronic insomnia. It was observed that they tended to include a higher proportion of ultra-processed foods in their diets than did the other participants.
