In April 2018 researchers from the UK and Saudi Arabia published the results of their study which assessed the association between sleep duration and fruit/vegetable consumption. They analysed self-reported data and 4-day food diaries of 1,612 adults aged 19-65 years. Sleep duration was divided into: short (under 7 hours per day), reference (7-8 hours per day) and long (over 8 hours per day). Results showed that both long sleepers and short sleepers consumed less fruit/vegetables, ie 28g per day less and 24g per day less respectively, than those in the reference range. The biomarkers of fruit/vegetable intake were also analysed and it was seen that those in the reference sleep category had higher levels of carotenoid, vitamin C and lycopene than those in the long and short sleep categories.
Noorwali EA et al. The relationship between sleep duration and fruit/vegetable intakes in UK adults: a cross-sectional study from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey BMJ Open. 2018 Apr 27;8(4): (Epub ahead of print)