Open Access
*Corresponding author:
Mohamed Saleh Ismail Email: mohamed.ismail@hec.menofia.edu.eg
Mobile: +2001017631433
 
Received: 1 April 2025
Accepted: 21 April 2025
Published online: 5 May 2025
 Citation
Eid RA; Ismail MS; El-Hady TM; and Tahoon NA (2025): Insomnia-Diet Relationship among Egyptian Emerged Adult Females: A Cross-Sectional Study. BNNI (65) 1-21, doi:
Insomnia, characterized by difficulty starting or maintaining sleep, is a prevalent sleep disorder affecting 10–30% of adults globally. This study aimed to identify the correlation between food consumption and insomnia severity among female university students. It recruited 1170 female students aged 20 to 23 from Menoufia and Banha Universities. Research data were collected through a questionnaire and face-to-face interviews. The study began in October 2023 and concluded in May 2024. A food frequency questionnaire was used to gather data about food consumption, classifying foods into seven major groups: vegetables, fruits, starchy foods, dairy, meats, drinks, and miscellaneous foods. The study utilized the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) for classification; it consists of 7 items, each rated on a scale from 0 to 4, with a total score ranging from 0 to 28. Results showed that 56.2% of females in this study have moderate or severe insomnia. The ISI was lower among those who ate three meals daily. Consuming honey, nuts, potatoes, milk, dairy, vegetables, onions, garlic, dried fruits, and fresh juices helped alleviate the severity of insomnia. The consumption of carbonated and energy drinks, fast food, salad dressing, ketchup, and chips was correlated with increased insomnia severity. Foods such as rice and pasta, sugary foods, chocolate, meats, ice cream, fresh fruits, coffee, red and green tea, relaxing beverages, and processed foods did not substantially influence sleep quality. In conclusion, dietary patterns clearly impact sleep quality among female university students