Pistachios for better sleep in adults with poor sleep
Official title: Impact of Pistachio Consumption on Sleep
Run by Columbia University · NCT07218822 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study will test whether eating pistachios helps adults who have poor sleep quality sleep better.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 45 Years to 64 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 28 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Columbia University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (New York, New York) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 12, 2025 |
| Main results expected | August 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | August 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | February 13, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07218822 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults with poor sleep quality (PSQI >5), a BMI of 20–29.9 kg/m2, willing to eat the study foods and stop vitamin/mineral supplements, and without major medical, psychiatric, or sleep disorders are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People with diagnosed sleep disorders, significant chronic diseases, active psychiatric or neurologic conditions, smokers, those with high caffeine use, premenopausal women, or anyone allergic to nuts are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Adults with poor sleep quality will be enrolled at Columbia University and given either pistachios or a control food to eat while their sleep outcomes are tracked. Participants must meet specific criteria (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index >5, BMI 20–29.9 kg/m2) and will be excluded for conditions or behaviors that affect sleep such as smoking, high caffeine intake, shift work, diagnosed sleep disorders, certain chronic diseases, or nut allergy. Study procedures focus on dietary intervention with supervised consumption of study foods and collection of sleep-related measures before and after the intervention period. The trial is single-center and supported by Columbia University with collaboration from the American Pistachio Growers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could offer a simple dietary option to improve sleep quality for adults with poor sleep.
How similar studies have gone: Observational studies have linked higher nut intake with better sleep and pistachios contain sleep-promoting compounds, but clinical testing specifically of pistachio consumption for sleep is limited and relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Poor sleep quality, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score \>5 * BMI 20 - 29.9 kg/m\^2 * Ability to abstain from travel across time zones * Willingness to eat study foods * Willingness/ability to discontinue use of vitamin and mineral supplements Exclusion Criteria: * Premenopausal women * Medical or living conditions that could affect sleep: * Smoking * Excessive caffeine intake (\>300 mg/day) * Non-day shift work * Chronic pain * Diagnosis of a chronic disease (e.g., uncontrolled hypertension, pre-diabetes, type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) * Autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular event or cancer in the past 24 months * Psychiatric/neurologic disease or disorder, or sleep disorder (diagnosed or high risk for sleep apnea, chronic insomnia, restless leg syndrome, narcolepsy) * Allergy or intolerance to nuts or study foods * Use of medications that influence CYP1A2 and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
Where it's running
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Columbia University Irving Medical Center
New York, New York, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Marie-Pierre St-Onge — Columbia University
- Study coordinator: Diane Hawkins
- Email: dh3078@cumc.columbia.edu
- Phone: 347-963-8845
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.