The study, authored by Cibele Crispim, of the Federal University of Sao Paulo in Brazil, focused on 52 healthy volunteers between 20-45 years of age, whose food intake was analyzed by a three-day food record. Their sleep pattern was evaluated by a polysomnographic recording.

"We showed that an increased fat intake was associated with a lower percentage of REM sleep, a higher arousal index and apnea-hypopnea index, and a lower sleep efficiency," said Crispim. "These results showed that total fat intake and dinner fat intake seem to influence negatively the sleep pattern. However, researches in the nutrition and sleep area should be carried out to better understand these associations."

From the June 23, 2008, Prepared Foods e-Flash