Abstract
Context
Sleep disturbances are a core symptom of menopause, which refers to the permanent cessation of menstrual periods. Nutritional interventions may alleviate menopause-related sleep disturbances, as studies have shown that certain interventions (eg, tart cherry juice, or tryptophan-rich foods) can improve relevant aspects of sleep.
Objective
The aim of this systematic review was to examine the effect of nutritional interventions for menopause-related sleep disturbances, in order to inform the subsequent development of specific interventional trials and assess their potential as a treatment for menopause-related sleep disturbances.
Data Sources
Published studies in English were located by searching PubMed and PsycArticles databases (until September 15, 2022).
Data Extraction
Following full-text review, a final total of 59 articles were included. The search protocol was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines.
Data Analysis
A total of 37 studies reported that a nutritional intervention improved some aspect of sleep, and 22 studies observed no benefit. Most (n = 24) studies recruited postmenopausal women, 18 recruited menopausal women, 3 recruited perimenopausal women, and 14 recruited women from multiple groups. The majority of the studies were of low methodological quality. Due to the heterogeneity of the studies, a narrative synthesis without meta-analysis is reported.
Conclusion
Despite the large heterogeneity in the studies and choice of intervention, the majority of the identified studies reported that a nutritional intervention did benefit sleep, and that it is mainly subjective sleep that is improved. More high-quality, adequately powered, randomized controlled trials of the identified nutritional interventions are necessary.
Systematic Review Registration
PROSPERO registration no. CRD42021262367.
Sleep disturbances are a core symptom of menopause, which refers to the permanent cessation of menstrual periods. Nutritional interventions may alleviate menopause-related sleep disturbances, as studies have shown that certain interventions (eg, tart cherry juice, or tryptophan-rich foods) can improve relevant aspects of sleep.
Objective
The aim of this systematic review was to examine the effect of nutritional interventions for menopause-related sleep disturbances, in order to inform the subsequent development of specific interventional trials and assess their potential as a treatment for menopause-related sleep disturbances.
Data Sources
Published studies in English were located by searching PubMed and PsycArticles databases (until September 15, 2022).
Data Extraction
Following full-text review, a final total of 59 articles were included. The search protocol was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines.
Data Analysis
A total of 37 studies reported that a nutritional intervention improved some aspect of sleep, and 22 studies observed no benefit. Most (n = 24) studies recruited postmenopausal women, 18 recruited menopausal women, 3 recruited perimenopausal women, and 14 recruited women from multiple groups. The majority of the studies were of low methodological quality. Due to the heterogeneity of the studies, a narrative synthesis without meta-analysis is reported.
Conclusion
Despite the large heterogeneity in the studies and choice of intervention, the majority of the identified studies reported that a nutritional intervention did benefit sleep, and that it is mainly subjective sleep that is improved. More high-quality, adequately powered, randomized controlled trials of the identified nutritional interventions are necessary.
Systematic Review Registration
PROSPERO registration no. CRD42021262367.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | nuad113 |
| Pages (from-to) | 1087-1110 |
| Number of pages | 24 |
| Journal | Nutrition Reviews |
| Volume | 82 |
| Issue number | 8 |
| Early online date | 11 Sept 2023 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Aug 2024 |
Keywords
- sleep
- menopause
- nutrition
- nutritional intervention