Sigma Nutrition Radio #552: Diet & Sleep Interactions – Marie-Pierre St. Onge, PhD
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Feb 11, 2025 
Dr. Marie-Pierre St-Onge, an Associate Professor at Columbia University, shares her groundbreaking research on diet and sleep interactions. She discusses how sleep regularity can influence health outcomes and reduce mortality risk. The podcast reveals the bidirectional relationship between sleep quality and dietary habits, emphasizing that restricted sleep can lead to poor food choices. Dr. St-Onge offers practical tips for optimizing sleep through diet, highlighting the benefits of a Mediterranean diet and the importance of meal timing for better health.
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Sleep Research Journey
- Dr. St-Onge's interest in sleep research began with an NIH request for applications on sleep and energy balance.
- Although her initial grant wasn't funded, she persevered and eventually secured funding in 2008.
Sleep Regularity's Importance
- Sleep regularity, beyond duration, impacts health, including mortality risk and cardiometabolic factors.
- Consistent sleep schedules align with circadian rhythms, optimizing hormonal and metabolic function.
Bidirectional Diet-Sleep Link
- Short sleep increases food intake, particularly fats and refined carbs, while decreasing fiber.
- Conversely, diets high in saturated fat and refined carbs are linked to poorer sleep quality.