A recent study published in Food & Function found that eating more legumes and nuts is associated with better sleep quality and longer sleep duration.
This cross-sectional study investigated the association between legume and nut intake, sleep quality and quantity, and levels of inflammation and oxidative stress—crucial modifiable factors for sleep health. Researchers used a multistage cluster random sampling approach to select 535 participants and assessed their dietary intake using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Sleep metrics were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and fasting blood samples were gathered to assess the levels of oxidative stress and inflammation biomarkers.
The findings showed that higher consumption of legumes and nuts was associated with 44% lower odds of short sleep duration and 49% lower odds of poor sleep quality, with stronger effects being seen in women.
Jabbari, M., Poursalehi, D., Moradmand, Z., Rashki, A., Shahdadian, F., Rouhani, P., & Saneei, P. (2026). Legumes and nuts intake in relation to sleep duration and quality, oxidative stress and inflammation in Iranian adults. Food & Function, 10.1039/d5fo04053a. Advance online publication.