Insomnia in old age: Mediterranean diet can help
Millions of people in Germany have chronic sleep disorders. Especially in the age, it is harder to get a healthy sleep. A study suggests that it can help to be Concerned, if you eat Mediterranean.
The healthy Mediterranean cuisine
Experts emphasize again and again the benefits of the healthy Mediterranean diet. Italian, Spanish or Greek dishes are not only extremely delicious, but due to the ingredients often also have a positive impact on our health. As revealed in scientific studies that a Mediterranean diet reduces the risk for strokes and heart attacks, and even against dementia and depression. In addition, this diet can obviously help with insomnia in old age.
Better sleep by Mediterranean diet
As the Federal centre for nutrition (BZfE) reported, diet the Mediterranean sea, traditionally a high consumption of plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, cereals, legumes, nuts and seeds characterized.
As the main source of fat olive oil is used. In moderation, dairy products, fish and poultry, little red meat, such as beef and pork.
A study from the Harokopio University in Athens suggests that older people who eat Mediterranean, sleeping is apparently better than the elderly with a less healthy diet.
The results of the study, of the 1,600 Greeks in the age of at least 65 years of age were involved in the journal “Geriatrics & Gerontology International“ published.
Better Quality Of Sleep
With the help of the so-called “MedDietScore” said the researchers on the basis of a scale of Points, how much the study participants in this Form of the food.
In addition, the subjects in the questionnaires, information on their life habits, such as quality and duration of sleep.
Seniors, the Mediterranean diet of predominantly, slept not longer than their peers, but they had a better quality of sleep.
For example, you found in the evening, easier to sleep, snoring less and woke less often shortness of breath or with a headache.
In addition, they felt more rested in the morning and needed the day rare a NAP to recover. According to the BZfE between women and men, no differences.
For 75 years, the positive effect of the Mediterranean was diet. You may sleep with increasing age, is more affected by medications and diseases such as high blood pressure.
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
The scientist, however, to bear in mind that this is an observational study. Thus, no causal relationships can be demonstrated.
So it would be conceivable that other factors are for the good of sleep. On the other hand, lack of sleep could lead to that data feed “unhealthy”.
Many seniors suffer from sleep difficulties. In the future, the relationships between a healthy diet and a good night’s sleep should be explored closer in order to increase the quality of life in old age.
As the researchers write, are believed to be antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the Mediterranean diet for the positive effects of responsible.
Some foods, such as olive, some fish species and seasonal fruits are also good sources of the hormone Melatonin, which promotes a healthy sleep-Wake rhythm. (ad)