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Posted on Jun 09, 2008, 8 p.m.
By Jeanelle Topping
Fat intake has been found to have a negative impact on the sleep patterns of healthy adults, new research suggests.
Fat intake has been found to have a negative impact on the sleep patterns of healthy adults, new research suggests.
A study conducted at the Federal University of Sao Paulo in Brazil revealed that high fat intake can be linked to increased likelihood of sleep disorders.
The report's author Cibele Crispim said: "We showed that an increased fat intake was associated with a lower percentage of REM sleep, a higher arousal index and apnea-hypopnea index, and lower sleep efficiency.
"These results showed that total fat intake and dinner fat intake seem to influence negatively the sleep pattern. However, researches in the nutrition and sleep area should be carried out to better understand these associations."
The study analyzed the food intake of 52 healthy 20-45 year olds over a three day period and evaluated their sleep patterns by means of polysomnographic recording.
According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, it is not recommended to go to bed hungry or eat a big meal before bedtime. Rigorous exercise should also be avoided within six hours of going to sleep.
