Background:
Self-reported short sleep duration is associated with greater risk for metabolic syndrome (MetS), obesity, and higher energy intake (EI). However, studies of these associations in children using objective methods are sparse.
Objectives:
To determine the associations for sleep patterns with MetS indices, body composition, and EI using objective measures in children.
Methods:
Free-living sleep and physical activity were measured in 125 children (aged 8–17y, BMI-z=0.57±1.0, 55% female) using wrist-worn actigraphs for 14 nights. Blood pressure, fasting blood levels of lipids, insulin, glucose, waist circumference, and body composition (DXA) were obtained during outpatient visits. EI was assessed during an ad libitum buffet meal.
Results:
Later weekday and weekend bedtimes were associated with higher systolic blood pressure (ps<.05). Sleep duration and bedtime were not significantly associated with other components of MetS, body composition, or EI. Short sleepers (duration <7h) consumed a greater percentage of carbohydrates than those with adequate (≥7h) sleep (p<.05).
Conclusion:
Indicators of sleep duration were variably associated with children’s eating patterns and risk for chronic disease. Prospective data are needed to determine whether these indicators of sleep quality represent unique or shared risk factors for poor health outcomes.
Objectives The first 6 weeks postpartum represent a time of significant adjustment and learning for parents. Healthcare providers accurately understanding parents' needs and preferences regarding support, education, and services during this critical time is essential for optimizing maternal and infant health. The first objective of this study was to explore parents' experiences adjusting to the parenting role during the first 6 weeks postpartum. The second objective was to elicit from parents where and how they sought support and information during the early postpartum period, and what hindered this process. Methods Five focus groups were conducted with 33 mothers and fathers of young children, stratified by ethnicity, education, and income. An interdisciplinary team thematically coded verbatim transcripts and identified emergent themes. Results Main themes included low confidence in parenting and sifting through parenting information. Additional themes included communicating with partner about changing roles, breastfeeding, maternal mental health, and maternal postpartum recovery. Low parenting confidence was closely linked with information seeking, yet participants expressed being overwhelmed by the task of managing conflicting parenting information. Women reported that providers focused on infant needs, leaving them feeling unprepared for their own mental and physical health needs. Conclusions for Practice Parents report extensive needs for education and support in the early postpartum period, yet also report feeling overwhelmed by the quantity of parenting information available. These findings suggest parents need and desire reliable healthcare education after discharge that includes parent health and adjustment.
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