Abstract
Older adults experience reduced sleep quality and quantity more frequently than younger adults. Inadequate sleep in older adults has been linked to several adverse outcomes such as poor psychological and physical health, cognitive impairments, increased risk of falls, lower quality of life, and greater risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Diet is one modifiable lifestyle factor that may influence sleep outcomes. The purpose of this review was to synthesise the current literature investigating the impact of diet, including foods and nutrients, on sleep quality and quantity in older adults (defined as >50 years based on age-related changes in sleep quality and quantity that begin age 50). A systematic search of four databases identified 17 articles for inclusion (observational (n=8) and interventional (n=9) studies). Overall, findings suggest that following a Mediterranean diet, consuming milk, fish, bean and egg products, cherries, vitamin D and vitamin E have demonstrated some efficacy in improving sleep outcomes in this population demographic. Given the heterogeneity of the included studies (i.e. aims, methodologies, outcomes assessed), it is difficult to consolidate the available evidence to make specific recommendations. However, this review describes dietary factors that show promise for improving sleep outcomes in older adults. More targeted research exploring the relationship between dietary factors and sleep outcomes in older adults is needed to strengthen the current evidence base. This presentation will provide a much-needed research agenda that includes a need for more randomised control trials that employ rigorous dietary assessments and objective measures of sleep.