Adherence to Major Dietary Patterns and Sleep Quality, Sleep Related Outcomes, Mental Health and State of Mood in Older Adults: A Cross Sectional Study Publisher



H Abbasi HANIEH ; M Karim Dehnavi MARYAM ; F Javadi FOZHAN ; N Jannati NOOSHIN ; Pn Hajian Parisa NEZHAD ; S Hatami SAMIRA ; L Azadbakht LEILA
Source: Aging and Mental Health Published:2025

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the association between major dietary patterns and sleep quality, mental health and status of mood among Iranian older adults Method: This cross-sectional study included 400 healthy older adults between 60-84 years with mean BMI of 28.86 kg/m2. Dietary intake was assessed using validated and reliable food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire was used to assess sleep quality, ­DASS-21 was used to assess depression, anxiety and stress and the profile of mood states (POMS) questionnaire was utilized to evaluate the status of mood. Results: It was found that there is a favorable significant association between Mediterranean diet and PSQI score, depression, anxiety, stress and status of mood (p < 0.05). In contrast, there was a significant association between adherence to traditional diet and poorer sleep quality, anxiety and stress (p < 0.05). Adhering to an unhealthy diet was also associated with higher risk of depression (p < 0.001). Conclusion: In older adults, adhering to a dietary pattern with high amounts of vegetables, fruits and healthy fats may be more beneficial for their mental health. While higher consumption of refined grains and tea may be associated with higher risk of depression and anxiety. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.