Affiliation:
1. Northumbria Sleep Research, Northumbria University , Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
2. Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Northumbria University , Newcastle, UK
3. Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University , Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
Abstract
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.
Funder
Northumbria University Graduate Futures
Publisher
Oxford University Press (OUP)
Subject
Nutrition and Dietetics,Medicine (miscellaneous)