If you’re having trouble sleeping, what you had for dinner or that late-night snack may hold a clue as to why. A systematic review of 23 reports published in January 2024 found that the Mediterranean diet might be the best one for healthy sleep. Still, the findings may be due to much simpler reasons than ascribing to a specific popular way of eating. The researchers concluded many factors are at play, including the overall healthy lifestyle those who follow a Mediterranean diet tend to lead. One factor, however, is a constant—the proper Mediterranean diet is notably void of refined sugar.
Sleep and blood sugar levels are intimately linked. There is a small amount of glucose in your blood at all times, and our brain regulates its level around the clock. When blood sugar levels get too high or too low, that can lead to disrupted sleep. Is it a coincidence that the Mediterranean diet is low in simple sugars and processed foods and is therefore believed to be the best for sleep quality? Probably not....
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