Cross-sectional associations of sleep timing and eating behavior factors with migraine in a predominantly female adult sample
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: This exploratory study aimed to better ascertain specific features of sleep and eating behaviors associated with migraine. A cross-sectional case-control approach was used with an online convenience sample; 86 individuals with migraine and 74 non-migraine individuals (mean age = 44 y.o., 90% female) were recruited via social media and university students in Ireland/UK between July 2023 and July 2024. Migraine status was determined by self-report of prior diagnosis by a health-care practitioner; no ICHD-3 interviews were performed. Individuals with migraine showed significantly lower self-regulation (2.95 ± .04 vs 3.17 ± .09, d = .45), reduced food fussiness (3.04 ± .08 vs. 2.4 ± .10, d = .84), and increased hunger (3.30 ± .08 vs. 3.00 ± .08, d = −.41). Both workdays (7:36 h ± 0:09 h vs. 6:57 h ± 0:09 h, d = −.52) and weekly average sleep duration (7:19 h ± 0:09 h vs. 7:44 h ± 0:08 h, d = −0.34) was significantly longer in individuals with migraine. Non-adjusted logistic regression analysis revealed that longer workday sleep duration (OR = .1.69 (95% CI = 1.12, −2.55), p = 0.013) was associated with increased odds of a migraine diagnosis; while greater self-regulation of eating (OR = 0.28, 95% CI (0.092, 0.88), p = 0.028) and greater food fussiness were associated with reduced odds of a migraine diagnosis (OR = 0.29, 95% CI (0.154, 0.54), p < 0.001). Additional intragroup results for individuals with migraine are also presented.
Source: Chronobiology International
Authors: Shannon Richardson, Andrew N. Coogan, Unai Diaz-Orueta
Institution: National University of Ireland, Maynooth
Language: English
Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7127122870