The Effects Of Kiwifruit Consumption On Sleep Quality, Fatigue And BMI Of Saudi Adults

Hypothesis: Kiwifruit contains antioxidants and serotonin which may be beneficial in the treatment of sleep disruption. Aim: to assess the effects of daily intake of kiwifruit on sleep quality, fatigue, and BMI among Saudi adults with poor sleep quality. Methods: Twenty-six female participants (14 cases, and 12 controls) were included. All participants were aged ≥18 years and were Saudi and had poor sleep quality. Pregnant, lactating and participants with any chronic diseases such as cardiovascular or neurological diseases, and history of using herbal or medications for inducing sleep for the last two months were excluded. Participants in the case group consumed 2 kiwifruits 1 hour before bedtime nightly for 6 weeks and the control group did not consume kiwifruit. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire was used to assess sleep quality before and after kiwi consumption (score ≥ 5 indicates poor sleep quality), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) was used to assess fatigue and anthropometrics were measured based on the WHO guidelines. After 6 weeks, sleep quality, fatigue and BMI were compared between cases and controls. Kiwifruit consumption may improve sleep quality in adults with self-reported poor sleep quality. Further investigation of the sleep promoting properties of kiwifruit is required.