Dados do Trabalho

Título

Nutritional Intervention Modulates Sleep in Women Undergoing Breast Cancer Treatment

Introdução

Insomnia is a public health issue and is currently one of the most common complaints among the population. It has been widely associated with depression, pain, tiredness, and fatigue, affecting most women undergoing breast cancer (BC) treatment

Objetivo

This study was based on the premise that specific nutritional interventions can positively modulate and improve sleep variables, aiding in the treatment and survival of these patients.

Métodos

The study was experimental, lasting 6 weeks, and analyzed the effect of a sleep-facilitating nutritional intervention on women undergoing BC treatment. It was conducted through a randomized clinical trial with a convenience sample and double-blind statistical analysis. Fifty women undergoing BC treatment, selected from public and private treatment centers in Juiz de Fora – MG, participated in the study. Participants were divided into two groups: the Sleep Diet Group (SDG), which received a sleep-facilitating dietary plan, and the Control Group (CG), which received a dietary plan based on eating habits, portion sizes, and meal times. Sleep was monitored with the Mi Smartwatch Band 4C®.

Resultados

Comparing the groups, the SDG showed a greater total sleep time in weeks four and five of the intervention (SDG=474.88 min; CG=446.81 min; p=0.007; SDG=467.32 min; CG=439.50 min; p=0.010). The SDG also had a shorter wake time compared to the CG in the fourth week (SDG=12.99 min; CG=48.64 min; p=0.035). In the intragroup comparison, a significant difference (p=0.011) was found in wake time from pre-intervention (10.53 min) to post-intervention (5.94 min) for the SDG.

Conclusões

The results demonstrate an improvement in sleep quality with the sleep-facilitating diet, which may enhance quality of life and provide greater support for cancer treatment. This strategy highlights the potential of investing in easily accessible food prescriptions that increase the intake of tryptophan and melatonin, considering the applicability for vulnerable populations undergoing BC treatment.

Palavras -chave

Breast Cancer. Insomnia. Diet and Nutrition