That’s what clinical psychologist Michael Breus suggests in his article for Psychology Today, where he discussed the link between sugar and the brain and how their interaction can affect sleep quality and intensify your cravings for sweets. How a high-sugar diet affects sleep quality Breus, a fellow at the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, has had many patients who slept better since they started “eating clean,” or following a diet that emphasizes consuming whole, unprocessed foods. “One of the most potent, underrated benefits of eating well, especially when paired with exercise? A big boost in sleep,” said Breus. A lot of studies also show that eating more sugar is linked to poor sleep quality. In a 2016 study, for example, researchers found that eating more sugar is associated with more restless, fitful sleep. They arrived at this finding after placing two groups of participants in either a healthy, controlled diet or a diet where they could eat whatever they want.