BIO

Hi! My name is Sabrina Somai and I am a sophomore majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience. I am originally from New Jersey, but currently live in Ocala, FL. I am very interested in pursuing medicine in the future. My research interests involve mild cognitive impairments in older adults, aging, and neuroscience.

Examining the Relationship Between Ketosis and Sleep Quality in Older Adults

Abstract

Sleep quality is vital for the overall health and function of the human body and has been associated with normalized blood glucose levels. Emerging evidence suggests that a high-fat, low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet has beneficial effects on various factors, including sleep and HbA1c, but little is known about the relationship between these three factors. Data were obtained from a community of older adults (N=59) aged 60-85, with subjective or objective evidence of mild cognitive impairment. Ketosis was evaluated using at-home urine ketone level test strips. HbA1c was collected using point of care tests, and blood glucose was evaluated using a Piccolo Xpress chemistry analyzer. To measure sleep quality participants provided self-report through the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). We expected to find a positive correlation between levels of ketosis and improvement in sleep quality. For participants reporting higher ketone levels, we also expected for blood glucose to be in the normalized range in relation to better sleep quality as self-reported by the PSQI. After analyzing the data, we found no direct effect between levels of ketosis and improvement in sleep quality, as well as blood glucose. Examining the relationship between ketosis, sleep quality, and blood glucose levels in older adults is critical for understanding how specialized nutrition may benefit important indicators of health in older age.

Keywords: ketosis, diet, sleep, older adults