Musculoskeletal disorders, such as osteoporosis, arthritis and chronic pain, are major global causes of disability and significantly impair the quality of life. Diet and sleep play crucial roles in maintaining musculoskeletal health, including macronutrients, micronutrients, dietary patterns, metabolic regulation, and inflammation modulation. Poor sleep disrupts the production of growth hormones and other regulatory mediators which are crucial for bone and muscle health. Chronic sleep deprivation would lead to many negative outcomes, for example, increased susceptibility to musculoskeletal injuries, slower recovery times, and heightened pain sensitivity. Studies show that diets rich in anti-inflammatory components, such as omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, could improve sleep quality by reducing systemic inflammation and supporting the natural sleep-wake cycles.

Based on this, research has been increasingly on dietary and sleep interventions for various musculoskeletal conditions. However, a holistic systems-based approach to exploring the interactions between sleep, diet and musculoskeletal health remains underdeveloped. Understanding these complex mechanisms can inform optimized intervention strategies to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

This Research Topic aims to delve into the intricate interplay between diet, sleep, and musculoskeletal health. Despite emerging research shows evidence that optimal nutrition and sleep hygiene can profoundly impact musculoskeletal health, a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms involved remains elusive. Our goal is to explore the underlying mechanisms by which macro- and micronutrients, dietary patterns, and sleep interventions can modulate inflammation, metabolic pathways, and hormonal balance, thereby assisting the prevention and management of musculoskeletal conditions. Through interdisciplinary integration of research, we seek to establish a more holistic view of how dietary and sleep-related interventions can be tailored to enhance patient outcomes and minimize disability from musculoskeletal disorders.

For a thorough exploration of this topic, we welcome articles of original research, mini-reviews, systematic reviews, clinical studies, as well as perspectives and commentaries. Specific themes include, but are not limited to:
• The effects of different dietary patterns (e.g. Mediterranean diet, Western diets, Ketosis diets, plant-based diet) on musculoskeletal health
• The interplay between sleep quality and dietary intake in musculoskeletal health
• The impact of circadian rhythms on nutritional metabolism and musculoskeletal health
• The influence of dietary components (e.g., fibre, probiotics, polyphenols) on the gut microbiota and musculoskeletal health
• Nutritional regulation and chronic pain management
• Interactions between diet and inflammation in musculoskeletal diseases
• Synergistic effects of nutrition and exercise on skeletal and muscular health
• Dietary strategies for musculoskeletal health in aging populations
• Benefits of specific nutritional interventions on comprehensive musculoskeletal function

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Interactions Between Diet, Sleep and Musculoskeletal Health: Beyond a Disease-Specific Perspective