Correlation Between Emotional Well-being, Dietary Habits, and Sleep Consistency in College Students

Bayaskar Sagar

doi:10.55289/jnutres/v13i2.25.78

Article

Correlation Between Emotional Well-being, Dietary Habits, and Sleep Consistency in College Students

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Journal of Nutrition Research

DOI: 10.55289/jnutres/v13i2.25.78

Year: 2025, Volume: 13, Issue: 2, Pages: 83-86

Original Article

Correlation Between Emotional Well-being, Dietary Habits, and Sleep Consistency in College Students

Bayaskar Sagar^1*

¹ Independent Public Health Researcher, India.

* Corresponding author

Email: [email protected]

Received Date:11 August 2025, Accepted Date:20 December 2025, Published Date:28 December 2025

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

Background: Dietary habits and meal timing are increasingly recognized as critical factors influencing emotional health and sleep quality in young adults. Aim of the study is to explore the relationship between dietary patterns, emotional well-being, and sleep consistency among college students. Materials & Methods: This qualitative study involved in-depth interviews with 35 college students aged 18–45 years (20 females, 15 males). Participants discussed their eating habits, stress levels, emotional responses, and sleep routines. Data were analyzed thematically to identify interconnections. Results: Irregular meal timing was reported by 19 participants (54.3%), with 14 (40%) consuming fast food at least twice weekly. Emotional eating during stress was common (n=15, 42.9%), often linked to irritability (n=18, 51.4%) and mood swings (n=16, 45.7%). Poor dietary patterns correlated with inconsistent sleep schedules (n=24, 68.6%) and morning fatigue. Students with regular meals and lighter evening diets (n=10, 28.6%) reported improved mood stability, reduced anxiety, and better next-day alertness. Conclusion: Unhealthy dietary habits, particularly late-night heavy meals, were associated with emotional instability and disrupted sleep. Promoting regular, balanced eating patterns may improve psychological well-being and sleep consistency in college populations.

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Copyright

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Published By India Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (IAPEN)