Evaluating the associations of consumption of non-red meat protein sources and flavor preferences on sleeping patterns among older adults in China

Non-red meat protein provides essential nutrients to human beings with fewer health burdens. Nevertheless, little is known about the relationships of non-red meat protein sources and flavor preferences with sleeping patterns among the older adults and the oldest-old in China. Using a nationally representative database, the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (n = 5241, with 2407 males and 2834 females), older adults’ quality of sleep, daily hours of sleep, and recommended range of sleeping duration (7 to 8 h daily) were studied. Food consumption behaviors included fish, eggs, milk and bean products, nuts, and flavor preferences. Sex-stratified multivariable logistic and ordinary least squares regression models were performed for statistical analyses. Nearly 61% of older adults reported good quality of sleep, but only 39% slept within the recommended hours of sleep daily. In general, less frequent consumption of eggs was associated with lower odds of reporting good quality of sleep among both male and female older adults. Among male participants, monthly consumption of milk products was associated with lower odds of good quality of sleep (Adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.60, 95% CI 0.41, 0.88; p