Dietary Melatonin, Chronotype, and Night Eating Syndrome in Relation to Sleep Quality Among Adults
Dietary melatonin has attracted increasing interest due to its potential relevance to circadian regulation and sleep health. However, evidence regarding its relationship with chronotype, night eating behaviors, and sleep
ObjectiveDietary melatonin has attracted increasing interest due to its potential relevance to circadian regulation and sleep health. However, evidence regarding its relationship with chronotype, night eating behaviors, and sleep quality remains limited. This study aimed to examine the associations among estimated dietary melatonin intake, chronotype, night eating behaviors, and sleep quality in adults and to explore the cross-sectional indirect association among chronotype, night eating behaviors, and sleep quality.
MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted in Istanbul, Türkiye, between November 2024 and June 2025 and included 325 adults aged 18–65 years. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), chronotype using the Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ), and night eating behaviors using the Night Eating Questionnaire (NEQ). Dietary melatonin intake was estimated using a modified food frequency questionnaire based on melatonin-containing foods. Pearson correlation analysis, multiple linear regression, binary logistic regression, and an exploratory cross-sectional indirect-association analysis using PROCESS Model 4 were performed.
ResultsMean total dietary melatonin intake was 10.485 ± 13.306 μg/day. PSQI scores were positively correlated with NEQ scores (r = 0.537, p < 0.001).
ResultsThe study found a positive correlation between PSQI scores and NEQ scores, indicating a relationship between night eating behaviors and sleep quality. The authors suggest that this association may be related to the role of dietary melatonin in regulating circadian rhythms and sleep patterns.
DiscussionThe findings of this study contribute to the growing body of research on the relationship between dietary melatonin and sleep health. Future studies should investigate the potential mechanisms underlying this association and explore the implications for circadian regulation and sleep quality.
ConclusionThe study highlights the importance of considering dietary melatonin intake in the context of chronotype and night eating behaviors. The results have implications for the development of personalized sleep interventions and the design of future studies on this topic.
LimitationsThis study had a cross-sectional design, which limits its ability to establish causality. Future studies should employ longitudinal designs to investigate the temporal relationships between dietary melatonin intake, chronotype, and sleep quality.
Future DirectionsFuture studies should investigate the potential mechanisms underlying the association between dietary melatonin and sleep quality, as well as the role of chronotype and night eating behaviors in regulating circadian rhythms and sleep patterns.