Macronutrients include protein, carbohydrate and fat. Macronutrients play an important role in health, particularly for protein and fat which contains essential nutrients. It has been understood for some time that alterations to the ratios of macronutrients in the diet can have a significant influence on the metabolism of the individual, with evidence that hormonal secretions are significantly influenced by the types, amounts and ratios of macronutrients in the diet. Sleep is one important aspect of health that may be significantly influenced by macronutrient ratios. In one study researchers administered a high fat, high protein or high carbohydrate diet to a group of individuals to assess the effects on sleep parameters over 4 day periods. The results of the study showed that the high protein diet was significantly associated with free waking periods during sleep. In contrast, the high carbohydrate diet was significantly associated with reduced sleep latency. This suggests that during sleep the food that has been consumed in the previous wakeful period plays an important role in certain sleep parameters, and this could be used as a basis to improve sleep quality in those with particular sleep problems.
Eat Well, Stay Healthy, Protect Yourself
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