A recent study evaluated the effect of diet on the relationship between sleep and mortality in elderly men and women.
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The study found that the risk of death in elderly men was less in those who slept well or fairly as compared to those who slept poorly. The study also found that if the food intake in elderly men is diverse enough, the effect of poor sleep on mortality could be eliminated.
Women who slept poorly consumed lower quantities of vegetables and vitamin B6 as compared to those who slept well. In women, the mortality was more associated by the levels of the vitamin B6 in the blood as compared to poor sleep. Thus, adequate vitamin B6 in the diet may be more important in reducing mortality of elderly women. Women in the study were more likely to sleep poorly as compared to men.
One of the researchers involved in the study, Emeritus Professor Mark Wahlqvist explained the reason for the possible effect of poor sleep on increasing mortality. According to him, poor sleep has been associated with conditions like obesity, diabetes and heart disease. In addition, it also caused poor appetite, and can reduce the intake of nutritious foods.
The bottom line of the study can be put as - eat well and sleep well for a long life!
Source-Medindia