Associations between Blood Zinc Concentrations and sleep Quality in Childhood: A Cohort Study

This study examined the association between blood zinc levels and sleep quality in Chinese children aged 3–15 years. Higher zinc levels in adolescence were linked to better sleep quality, longer duration, and fewer disturbances. Longitudinally, low zinc levels at preschool age predicted poorer sleep efficiency and quality during adolescence. Zinc's role in neurotransmitter function may influence these outcomes. These findings highlight zinc's potential importance in sleep regulation, which is crucial for cognitive development and overall brain health.

Incorporate zinc-rich foods (e.g., meat, nuts, seeds) into children’s diets to support sleep quality. For populations at risk of zinc deficiency, supplements may be considered after consulting a healthcare provider. While this cohort study suggests a link, causality cannot be confirmed, and cultural and dietary differences may affect applicability. Further research using randomized trials and objective sleep measures is needed to strengthen these recommendations.