Food Intake and Sleep Disorders in Children and Adolescents with Obesity

Abstract

Over the last few decades, numerous scientific studies have investigated the possible association between sleep duration and adiposity during childhood, since it has been reported that sleep deprivation causes a related increase in caloric intake. Even though the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms are still under study and not completely known, the effect of dietetic habits and nutrient intake on sleep quality and patterns has been reported. The aim of this study is to explore the intricate interplay between food intake/diet patterns and pediatric sleep disturbances in children and adolescents with obesity, emphasizing the importance of not underestimating this aspect in the prevention and treatment of this complex disease. Recent evidence supports a high correlation between specific diet patterns and foods with sleep disturbances in children at all ages. Diets rich in fiber, fruit, vegetables, and anti-inflammatory nutrients and low in saturated fats seem to promote better sleep quality. Sleep disturbances are, in turn, risk factors for the development of obesity. Therefore, food strategies should be applied to counteract this harmful process. Unraveling the complex links between dietary habits, sleep patterns, and obesity is essential for developing effective strategies to combat this critical public health issue.

Food Insecurity and Sleep-Related Problems in Adolescents: Findings from the EHDLA Study

“…The mechanisms by which food insecurity can cause sleep-related problems have been investigated in the literature [ 5 , 32 ]. Eating habits can significantly impact sleep quality, as they lead to hormonal changes related to sleep [ 32 ].…”

“…The consequences of food insecurity are a worsening quality of life, hunger, and the emergence of diseases and other physical and mental health problems [ 3 ]. All of these factors can lead to anemia, malnutrition [ 4 ], overweight (due to the consumption of foods that are poor in nutrients and rich in fat and sugar) [ 5 ], and can impair the immune system (e.g., reduced exocrine secretion of protective substances, impaired intestinal barrier function, and low plasma complement levels [ 6 ]). Food insecurity is a global problem, and the rate is estimated to be 27% [ 7 ], which is even greater among adolescents than among individuals in other subpopulations (moderate 44.9% and severe 6.2%) [ 8 ].…”

“…Along with irregular and insufficient sleep, food insecurity can disrupt daily activity rhythms, increase fatigue, hinder physical activity engagement, and foster a sedentary lifestyle, which can lead to a greater risk of disease [ 5 ]. The relationship between food insecurity and sleep-related problems, including lifestyle factors such as physical activity level and sedentary behavior, may provide valuable contributions to scientific knowledge in this area [ 5 ].…”

“…Along with irregular and insufficient sleep, food insecurity can disrupt daily activity rhythms, increase fatigue, hinder physical activity engagement, and foster a sedentary lifestyle, which can lead to a greater risk of disease [ 5 ]. The relationship between food insecurity and sleep-related problems, including lifestyle factors such as physical activity level and sedentary behavior, may provide valuable contributions to scientific knowledge in this area [ 5 ]. Therefore, to address the potential impact of food insecurity on sleep and its potential health consequences, this study assessed the association between food insecurity and sleep-related problems in a sample of Spanish adolescents.…”

Exploring the Complex Interplay of Obesity, Allergic Diseases, and Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Children

“…Children affected by obesity exhibit a greater prevalence of OSA, with about 36% affected and 60% with the syndrome [21]. The frequency of SDB in obese children markedly surpasses that in the broader pediatric demographic, with estimations ranging from 33% to 61% compared to 1% to 3%, respectively [22].…”