Association Between Ultra-Processed Foods Intake and Sleep Quality/Quantity in Community-Dwelling Older Adults Publisher Pubmed



Hallajzadeh J ; Yousefi Tanha P ; Azadnia A ; Wong A ; Moradi S
Source: Sleep and Breathing Published:2026

Abstract

Aim: Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have been linked to adverse metabolic and inflammatory profiles that may impair sleep, yet evidence in older adults is limited. The aim of this investigation was toevaluate the relationship between UPFs intake and sleep quality and quantity among community-dwelling older adults. Methods: In this community-based cross-sectional study, 368 community-dwelling older adults (mean age 67.11 ± 6.21 years; 55.2% women) were recruited from health centers in Maragheh City, Iran. Body composition was measured by a body composition analyzer and physical activity using a validated short-form physical activity questionnaire. Dietary intake was collected with a self-administered 147-item semi-quantitative FFQ; UPFs were classified according to the NOVA system and grouped into tertiles (T). Blood samples were derived for the evaluation of blood parameters. Raw and adjusted logistic regression models were used to examine the relationship between UPFs intake T and sleep quantity and quality. Results: In fully adjusted models, higher UPFs intake was associated with an increased risk of daytime dysfunction (OR for T3 vs. T1: 1.96, 95% CI: 1.07–3.60, P = 0.029), especially among women (OR for T3 vs. T1: 2.84, 95% CI: 1.11–7.26, P = 0.028) but not men. Higher UPF intake was also significantly associated with poorer subjective sleep quality (OR for T2 vs. T1: 1.89, 95% CI: 1.04–3.42, P = 0.034; OR for T3 vs. T1: 1.98, 95% CI: 1.09–3.61, P = 0.024). Prolonged sleep latency was more likely in T3 compared to T1 (OR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.20–6.60, P = 0.006), with a stronger association in men (OR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.20–6.60, P = 0.006) than women. No significant associations were observed for short or long sleep duration, insomnia, sleep efficiency, sleep disturbances, hypnotic use or poor sleep quality (total score) (P > 0.05). Conclusions: In this cross-sectional analysis, higher UPFs intake was associated with greater odds of daytime dysfunction, prolonged sleep latency and poorer subjective sleep quality. These findings suggest a potential relationship, although the cross-sectional nature precludes causal interpretation. Prospective and interventional studies in aging populations are warranted to confirm these findings and establish causality. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026.