Teens Who Sleep Less Eat More Fatty Foods

A study shows that teens that slept less than eight hours per weeknight ate higher proportions of fatty foods and snacks than adolescents who slept eight hours or more. The results suggest that short sleep cycles may increase the risk of obesity risk by causing changes in eating patterns that alter energy balance, especially in girls during puberty.

Clinical Study

“The study involved 240 teens between 16 and 19 years of age who are participating in the ongoing Cleveland Children’s Sleep and Health Study at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. Eighteen percent of participants were obese, defined as being at or above the 95th percentile of BMI for age or having a BMI of 30 or higher.”

The Teens Sleep Measurements

A wristband that measured their sleep duration evaluated the teens sleep at home. The average sleep duration was calculated using at least three weeknights of data. The average was 7.55 hours, and only 34 percent of the teens slept for an average of eight hours or more. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends that teens get at least nine hours of sleep each night to feel alert and well rested during the day.

The Teens Nutrition Measurements

“Macronutrient intake was measured using two 24-hour, multipass recall interviews conducted by trained staff. Details were collected about food items and portion sizes, as well as the timing, location, type, and preparation of each meal or snack. Nutrition data were analyzed using the Nutrition Data System for Research, a comprehensive nutrient database.”

Conclusion

Not getting the recommended nine hours of sleep may have a negative effect on the production of the two hormones that regulate a person’s appetite. Less sleep also provides the teens with more opportunities to eat.

Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100901072854.htm