Experts Link Gluten-Free Diets to Better Sleep, Say Adults Still Need 7 Hours
Updated
Updated · Medscape · Jun 22
Experts Link Gluten-Free Diets to Better Sleep, Say Adults Still Need 7 Hours
1 articles · Updated · Medscape · Jun 22
Summary
Kin M. Yuen and José M. Ordovás said gluten-related conditions can worsen sleep through inflammation, digestive symptoms and poor absorption of iron, magnesium and B vitamins.
For celiac disease, they said a gluten-free diet is a medical necessity because even small amounts of gluten can keep the immune system activated, delay gut healing and prolong poor sleep.
Research on sleep gains from eliminating gluten is mixed, Yuen said, though some patients may sleep better if a gluten-free diet still meets calorie and nutrient needs.
Ordovás said sleep improvement is often gradual rather than immediate, and persistent problems after a strict gluten-free diet may point to stress, anxiety, iron deficiency or unrelated sleep disorders.
Both experts said most adults still need at least 7 hours of sleep and should pair any diet change with basics such as regular schedules, lighter evening meals and less alcohol, caffeine and screen time.