Lifestyle
How Your Favorite Treat Could Boost Your Sleep Quality

For those who find joy in both indulging in tasty snacks and savoring restful sleep, there’s exciting news on the horizon. A recent study suggests that one particular guilty-pleasure food might actually enhance the quality of your sleep. Cheese, a beloved snack for many, has been linked to a reduced risk of developing sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea, a condition characterized by interrupted breathing during sleep, can lead to “fragmented sleep” and may result in serious health issues such as cardiovascular diseases, cognitive decline, and metabolic disorders like type 2 diabetes. Common indicators of this condition include snoring and persistent tiredness despite a full night’s rest.
The study, published in Sleep Medicine, analyzed data from the UK Biobank and the FinnGen Bank to explore the impact of cheese consumption on sleep apnea. The findings revealed that increased cheese intake was associated with a lower risk of developing sleep apnea. Specifically, it influenced 23 biomarkers related to the condition, such as blood pressure and testosterone levels.
“These findings underscore the potential of dietary interventions in public health strategies aimed at decreasing sleep apnea prevalence and associated health risks,” the study authors noted. They emphasized the intricate connections between diet, biomarkers, and sleep apnea, and called for further research across diverse populations to broaden the applicability of these results.
It’s important to note that the study employed Mendelian randomization, a method using genetic variants to establish a connection between cheese consumption and sleep apnea risk, rather than proving a direct cause-and-effect relationship.
This isn’t the first time cheese has been associated with sleep benefits. A study published in Advances in Nutrition in January 2023 highlighted the positive relationship between dairy products, including cheese, and sleep. Although data was limited, the authors pointed out that dairy is “notably rich in tryptophan,” an amino acid that contributes to the production of serotonin and melatonin, both crucial for sleep. Varieties such as cottage cheese, mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, and gruyere are particularly high in tryptophan.
However, before you rush to fill your fridge with cheese, it’s important to exercise moderation. The study authors acknowledged the need for additional research to fully understand the relationship between cheese and sleep apnea. Moreover, excessive consumption of any food, cheese included, can lead to weight gain, which is a significant risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Other risk factors include neck circumference, a narrowed airway, being male, age, and smoking.
While cheese may offer some sleep-related benefits, it’s crucial to consider these factors and enjoy it as part of a balanced diet.
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