Dr Michael Mosley says easy diet move could 'fix sleep problems'

TV doctor Michael Mosley has shared a diet switch he believes could fix people's sleep problems.

The diet and health expert is well known for his wellbeing tips and, in a blog post earlier this year, he said those who are struggling to sleep well may find the "answers" in their diets.

He believes there to be a link between the practice of intermittent fasting with better sleep, as reported by Gloucestershire Live. Intermittent fasting is where you only consume food during a certain window of the day.

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Dr Mosley said that "switching up your eating pattern might just fix your sleeping pattern". He added that as many as 71% of adults don't get enough sleep.

He also said good sleep comes down to three things: how much you get, the quality of uninterrupted sleep and a consistent schedule.

In his blog post, Dr Mosley said that if you "optimise all three, you’re onto a winner". The benefits of good sleep include improved concentration, attention and decision-making abilities; processed memories and reduced risk of dementia; supported immune system and heart, reducing the risk of heart disease; restored insulin sensitivity and reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and lowered hunger hormone, ghrelin, reducing the risk of obesity by 41%, he added.

Dr Mosley wrote: "To begin improving your sleep and reap those all-important health benefits, you may want to learn about the incredible connection between intermittent fasting and sleep. Fasting intermittently has been shown to improve all three pillars of good sleep, and the good news is that research suggests it won’t take long before noticing changes.

"A 2003 study measured participants’ sleep using a polysomnography before and after just seven days of fasting. The results indicated that fasting short-term can improve sleep quality by reducing restlessness, awakenings during the night and leg movement during sleep. This was in addition to daytime improvements in concentration and emotional balance.

"Similarly, a 2019 study by the Salk Institute found that a 10-hour eating window for overweight participants saw reductions in blood sugar levels, blood pressure, waist size, as well as longer and less interrupted sleep. In general, overeating during the day and too close to bedtime has been shown to compromise healthy sleep.

"This can result in a vicious cycle of poor sleep leading to poor diet choices and so on. However, going to sleep on a relatively empty stomach (which happens when you extend your fasting window), allows your digestive system to align with your brain and both clock off for sleep, helping improve decision-making and reduce the hunger hormone, ghrelin. Furthermore, intermittent fasting has been shown to raise the levels of the sleep-promoting hormone, melatonin, which helps you fall asleep quicker and stay asleep longer."

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