Ahmad Syafiq Abdullah, Nor Aina Izzati Huda, Siti Safiah Faiz, Muhammad Hafizuddin, Nurul Aziz Rahman, Amirul Faiz Khalid

Nighttime banana consumption: A natural remedy for better sleep and blood pressure control in hypertensive patients

Introduction

Nighttime banana consumption: a natural remedy for better sleep and blood pressure control in hypertensive patients. Discover how nighttime banana consumption can naturally improve sleep quality and lower blood pressure in hypertensive patients. An 8-week study shows significant benefits.

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is a significant global health concern, often linked with poor sleep quality, both of which contribute to increased cardiovascular risks. Dietary interventions rich in potassium, magnesium, and tryptophan have shown potential in improving blood pressure and sleep quality. However, the specific effects of nighttime banana consumption on these outcomes remain underexplored. Purpose: This study aims to investigate the impact of consuming bananas at night on blood pressure levels and sleep quality among hypertensive patients in the Health Community Kuantan, Malaysia. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 120 hypertensive patients aged 30–65 years. Participants were randomized into two groups: the intervention group consumed one medium-sized banana (approximately 120 grams) one hour before bedtime daily for eight weeks, while the control group followed their usual diet. Blood pressure was measured weekly using an automated sphygmomanometer, and sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Statistical analyses, including paired t-tests and repeated-measures ANOVA, were performed to evaluate within- and between-group differences. Results: The intervention group demonstrated significant reductions in systolic (mean: 10.3 mmHg, p < 0.001) and diastolic (mean: 6.3 mmHg, p < 0.001) blood pressure compared to the control group. PSQI scores also improved significantly in the intervention group, with a mean reduction of 3.1 points (p < 0.001) from baseline, indicating enhanced sleep quality. The control group showed minimal changes in both parameters. Conclusion: Nighttime banana consumption is an effective, natural, and affordable intervention for improving blood pressure and sleep quality in hypertensive patients. These findings highlight the potential of whole-food dietary strategies as complementary therapies for managing hypertension and its associated conditions.

Review

This study presents a highly relevant and timely investigation into a natural, accessible intervention for two significant health concerns: hypertension and poor sleep quality. By exploring the impact of nighttime banana consumption, the authors address an underexplored dietary strategy with considerable public health implications. The abstract reports significant and clinically meaningful improvements in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, alongside enhanced sleep quality, in the intervention group. These findings are compelling, suggesting that a simple whole-food approach could serve as an effective complementary therapy for managing these prevalent conditions and potentially reducing associated cardiovascular risks. The methodology employed appears robust, utilizing a randomized controlled trial design with a respectable sample size of 120 hypertensive patients. The intervention was clearly defined—one medium-sized banana consumed an hour before bedtime daily for eight weeks—and contrasted with a usual diet control group. The use of an automated sphygmomanometer for weekly blood pressure measurements and the validated Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) for sleep assessment are appropriate. Furthermore, the application of paired t-tests and repeated-measures ANOVA demonstrates sound statistical approaches to evaluate both within- and between-group differences. The clear presentation of statistically significant reductions in blood pressure and PSQI scores provides strong preliminary evidence for the efficacy of this dietary strategy. While the findings are promising, a few considerations for a complete understanding warrant further investigation. The eight-week duration, though effective for acute changes, would benefit from long-term follow-up to assess sustained adherence and effects. Future research could also delve deeper into the specific biochemical pathways and synergistic actions of potassium, magnesium, and tryptophan within bananas that contribute to these improvements. Additionally, incorporating objective sleep measures alongside subjective assessments like the PSQI could provide a more comprehensive view of sleep quality. Despite these potential areas for further exploration, this study offers valuable preliminary evidence for an effective, natural, and affordable intervention, strongly advocating for the potential of whole-food dietary strategies in integrated patient care.

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