The effect of kiwifruit consumption on sleep quality, fatigue, and BMI in Saudi students with poor sleep quality: a 6-week pilot randomized controlled trial

In Saudi Arabia, particularly among females, poor sleep quality is prevalent and may be linked to noncommunicable diseases. Kiwifruits contain antioxidants and serotonin, which may have a positive impact on sleep quality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of daily kiwifruit consumption on sleep quality, fatigue, and body mass index (BMI) in Saudi females experiencing poor sleep quality. In this pilot randomized controlled trial, 26 female students were included; 14 students consumed 2 kiwifruits 1 h before bedtime for 6 weeks, and 12 students were controls. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) were used to assess sleep quality and fatigue respectively. After 6 weeks of kiwifruit consumption, there was no change in BMI within the intervention or control group; however, the intervention group had higher BMI at endline compared to control. There was a decrease in the PSQI score (improved sleep) from baseline within both groups (intervention and control). No differences in the PSQI and fatigue scores were observed between the intervention and control groups after 6 weeks. A decrease in the fatigue score was observed among the control group only. There was an inverse correlation between the PSQI score and the number of consumed kiwifruits (p = 0.007). Kiwifruit consumption may improve sleep quality in adults with self-reported poor sleep quality. The study’s limited sample size and exclusive focus on females may have influenced the findings. Trial registration (retrospectively registered) at ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05953324 on 07/11/2023.