1 hr ago
Study Links Higher Fibre Intake With Deeper, More Restorative Sleep
Researchers wanted to see whether the foods people eat affect how they sleep.
They studied food records and wearable sleep data from 3,598 mostly healthy adults.
People who ate more fibre compared with their total calories spent slightly more time in deep and REM sleep.
They also spent slightly less time in light sleep.
Their average heart rate during sleep was a little lower.
Fibre is found in foods such as fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains, nuts and seeds.
It might help sleep by keeping blood sugar steadier or by affecting helpful gut bacteria.
The study shows a connection, but it does not prove that eating fibre will cure sleep problems.
Researchers analysed 4,793 nights of dietary and sleep data from 3,598 predominantly healthy adults.
Higher fibre intake relative to calorie intake was linked to slightly more deep and REM sleep.
Participants with higher fibre density spent less time in light sleep, by about 1.35 percentage points.
Higher fibre intake was associated with an average nighttime heart-rate reduction of about 1.14 beats per minute.
The study found associations, not proof that fibre treats insomnia or guarantees better sleep.
- Who
- Researchers analysed data from 3,598 predominantly healthy adults.
- What
- The study examined links between dietary fibre intake, sleep stages and nighttime heart rate.
- Where
- When
- Across 4,793 recorded nights; the articles do not specify when the study was conducted.
- Why
- Researchers investigated whether daily food choices were associated with sleep physiology and quality.
Key facts
- Study publication
- Nature Health
- Participants
- 3,598 predominantly healthy adults
- Nights analysed
- 4,793
- Deep sleep association
- About 0.59 percentage points more with higher fibre density
- REM sleep association
- About 0.76 percentage points more with higher fibre density
- Light sleep association
- About 1.35 percentage points less with higher fibre density
- Heart-rate association
- About 1.14 fewer beats per minute during sleep
- General fibre guidance
- About 25 to 38 grams daily for adults, depending on factors such as age and sex





