Recently many studies have shown that better sleep may lead to weight loss.
But is it also possible that the opposite may be true? Could weight loss lead to better sleep? A recent study revealed some interesting results.
A team of researchers at Purdue University investigated the effect of a weight loss diet on sleep quality. Their findings, which were recently published in the American Journal of Nutrition, revealed that those who followed a high protein diet for several months achieved better sleep quality.
The study involved 44 volunteers who were either obese or overweight. One group followed a high protein diet and the other group consumed an average amount of protein.
Volunteers consumed either 0.8g or 1.5g of protein per day per kg of body mass for 16 weeks. Protein sources came from beef, pork, soy, legumes and milk. Each month researchers gave the volunteers a questionnaire to evaluate participants sleep quality. After 3 to 4 months, scientists found that the volunteers with the highest protein intake reported an improvement in sleep quality.
“Short sleep duration and compromised sleep quality frequently lead to metabolic and cardiovascular diseases and premature death,” explains Jing Zhou, the study’s first author. “Given the high prevalence of sleep problems it’s important to know how changes to diet and lifestyle can help improve sleep.”
Although these are certainly interesting findings, it’s worth noting that this was a very small study and not necessarily a comprehensive study on the relationship of high protein diets to weight loss and sleep quality. When it comes to maintaining optimal health (including sleeping well) eating clean is a huge step in the right direction.
Do you follow a high protein diet? Has it led to weight loss and/or improved sleep for you? Let us know what you think in the comments!