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Want to Sleep Better? Research Shows Eating More Potassium at Dinner Can Help

June 14, 2026 | Source: VeryWell Health | by Mira Miller

An estimated 50 to 70 million Americans suffer from chronic sleep disorders, and one in three adults don’t get the recommended amount of shut-eye each night.1 A number of factors can influence sleep quality, and research suggests that how much potassium you eat at dinner time may be one of them.

What the Research Shows

Potassium plays an important role in muscle function, nerve signaling, fluid balance, and cardiovascular health, all of which can indirectly influence sleep quality, said Yi Min Teo, MS, RD, a certified nutrition support clinician at UCI Health. It helps nerves and muscles relax, making it easier to fall asleep.

Some research suggests that inadequate potassium intake may be associated with sleep disturbances, including difficulty staying asleep.2 One recent study from Japan found that overall potassium consumption was important for sleep and significantly associated with a reduction in insomnia when eaten at dinner. 3

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