Research published in the journal Nutrients has found that regular nut consumption may help enhance overall dietary habits and contribute to improved sleep.
The study examined the relationships between peanuts and tree nuts, diet quality, and sleep quality among undergraduate college students. Researchers recruited 46 participants to complete three 24-hour dietary recalls—categorizing recall days as containing nuts or not containing nuts—and to self-report sleep quality. Diet quality was also assessed using a validated scoring system.
The results showed that 16% of the total recall days contained nuts. On average, diet quality scores were higher on days containing nuts. Participants also reported better sleep quality—i.e. feeling significantly more refreshed—following days when nuts were consumed compared to days without nuts.
Overall, the findings suggest a favorable correlation between nut intake, diet, and sleep quality, highlighting the potential for improving dietary patterns and sleep health through regular nut consumption.
Tindall, A., & Kissell, M. C. (2026). The Role of Peanuts and Tree Nuts in Improving Diet and Sleep Quality: A Pilot Study and Literature Review. Nutrients, 18(4), 579.