Pro-inflammatory diet mediates the association between epilepsy and sleep disorders: A cross-sectional study

Area of Science:

• Nutrition Science
• Neurology
• Sleep Medicine

Background:

• Chronic inflammation is implicated in neurological disorders like epilepsy (EP).
• Sleep disturbances (SLDs) frequently complicate EP management.
• Dietary patterns can influence systemic inflammation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the inflammatory potential of habitual diets in individuals with EP and co-occurring SLDs.
• To investigate the association between dietary inflammatory index (DII) scores and the prevalence of EP and SLDs.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from 35,706 participants (2013-2020).
• Assessed EP status via antiepileptic drug use and SLDs via sleep duration and disturbances.
• Calculated DII and energy-adjusted DII (E-DII) scores from 24-h dietary recalls.

Main Results:

• Individuals with EP showed significantly higher DII and E-DII scores and more SLDs than controls.
• Higher DII scores correlated with increased odds of EP and SLDs.
• Dietary inflammatory index partially mediated the association between EP and SLDs.

Conclusions:

• Individuals with EP consume diets with higher pro-inflammatory potential.
• Elevated dietary inflammatory burden is linked to SLDs in the EP population.
• Nutritional guidance is crucial for comprehensive epilepsy care.