The impact of sleep quality, meal timing, and frequency on diet quality among remote learning university students during the COVID-19 pandemic

This study examined the impact of sleep quality, meal timing, and meal frequency on diet quality (DQ) among university students during remote learning in the COVID-19 pandemic. Using self-reported questionnaires, it found that inconsistent meal timing and irregular portion sizes were associated with poor diet quality. Students with high diet quality maintained regular meal schedules, ate earlier, and avoided late-night meals. Poor sleep quality and irregular eating patterns were common and were linked to lower DQ. The findings underscore the interaction between dietary habits, sleep, and health during lifestyle disruptions like the pandemic.

To enhance brain health, individuals should establish consistent meal timing, avoid late-night eating, and prioritize breakfast. These habits, combined with maintaining good sleep quality, can improve overall health and cognitive performance. These recommendations align with observational findings, but further research is needed to confirm causality in broader populations.