New research has found an association between babies consuming a variety of sweet potatoes and a reduction in the number of periods of wakefulness during the night.
One carried out in New Zealand indicates that the consumption of kumara — a variety of sweet potato — can contribute to improve baby sleep during the first months of food introduction. The research was published in the scientific journal Nutritional Neuroscience.
Of kumara (Potatoes) is a traditional food with strong cultural relevance for the Māori people and is often used as one of the first solid foods for babies in the country. Rich in fiber and with prebiotic properties, the food stimulates the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestine, which can influence the production of substances linked to sleep regulation.
The study, led by Xiaoxi Fuinvolved 281 healthy babies from the Auckland region, aged between 3 and 6 months at the beginning of the investigation. Participants were divided into three groups: a control group, which followed a normal diet; a group given kūmara powder; and a third group that consumed kūmara enriched with resistant starch, a substance also associated with intestinal health.
For four months, caregivers administered daily small doses of food and reported on babies’ sleep patterns, as well as their own quality of rest, explains .
The results showed that babies fed “normal” kūmara showed fewer periods of wakefulness during the night. Although they didn’t necessarily wake up less often, they were able to fall back asleep more quickly, which suggests more efficient sleep.
Babies who consumed kūmara with resistant starch recorded a slight increase in daytime sleep, but also a tendency to have more difficulties at night, including prolonged periods of wakefulness. The researchers admit that this effect may be related to longer naps during the day or even with some digestive discomfort caused by the higher concentration of starch.
With regard to caregivers’ sleep, no significant differences were found between the groups.
Despite the promising results, the authors emphasize that the study has limitations, namely the fact that data on sleep were collected based on caregivers’ perceptions, and not through objective measurements. Additionally, the participating babies were generally healthy and without serious sleep problems, which may limit the observed impact.
Still, research suggests that nutrition may play a relevant role in regulating children’s sleep.
