Effects of almond consumption on sleep quality in adults: a randomized controlled trial
Abstract
Background: Sleep disturbances are associated with adverse metabolic, neurocognitive, and inflammatory outcomes. This study examined the effects of a 5-month whole-almond intervention on objective and subjective sleep parameters, biochemical and inflammatory markers in adults with poor sleep quality.
Methods: In this open-label, parallel-arm, randomized controlled community-based trial with blinded outcome assessment, 175 adults aged 21-55 years with poor sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI] ≥ 5 and/or Epworth Sleepiness Scale [ESS] ≥ 10) were randomized to either an almond group (n = 88) or a control group receiving an isocaloric snack (n = 87) using computer-generated allocation. We hypothesized that regular almond consumption would improve subjective and objective sleep outcomes. Assessments conducted at baseline and after 5 months included polysomnography, PSQI, ESS, anthropometry, and biochemical markers. Per-protocol analyses were performed to evaluate between-group differences in mean changes.
Results: Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups (p > 0.05). The almond group demonstrated significantly greater improvement in subjective sleep efficiency compared with controls (mean change: 9.7 ± 13.4 vs. 5.4 ± 10.6; p = 0.021). After adjustment for baseline values and sex, the almond group had lower global PSQI scores (3.94 ± 0.24 vs. 4.79 ± 0.32; p = 0.013), higher subjective sleep efficiency (94.45 ± 0.72% vs. 91.85 ± 0.42%; p = 0.012), and…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 175 participants or records.
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