Effects of Sleep on Adolescents’ Appetite, Dietary Intake, and Weight

Abstract

Introduction Several factors have been associated with excess weight gain in adolescents, including loss of sleep. Objective The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of sleep factors on appetite, dietary intake, and the body weights of adolescent youth. Methods A prospective correlational study design was used. Male and female adolescents (N = 76) ages 12–18 years completed a 5-night study. Sleep was assessed using Fitbits (88.5% accuracy) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) (test-retest reliability = .81); appetite was assessed by a Visual Analog Scale (α = 0.84); dietary intake was assessed by the Block Kids Food Screener (reliability up to .88); sleep hygiene was assessed using the Adolescent Sleep Hygiene Practice Scale (α = .67). Results Poor sleep quality was reported by 39.5% of participants, and 75% of participants had inadequate sleep time (7.33 h). Participants’ age significantly correlated with PSQI scores (r = .28, p < .05) and BMI (r = .37, p < .01). Participants’ PSQI scores significantly correlated with sleep hygiene (r = .45, p = .05) and appetite (r = .3 3, p < .01). Sleep latency significantly correlated with sleep hygiene (r = .32, p < .05). Several sleep hygiene factors correlated significantly with the participants’ sleep quality, quantity and latency scores and dietary intakes. Conclusion These findings suggest that changes in sleep hygiene practices may improve adolescent sleep quality and quantity as well as appetite and dietary intake.