Is it time for bed? Short sleep duration increases risk of obesity in Mexican American children

Abstract

Objective Cross-sectional studies show that sleep is related to childhood obesity. We aimed to examine the longitudinal impact of sleep on obesity risk in Mexican American children. Design and Methods We evaluated 229 Mexican American 8–10-year-olds and their mothers at baseline and 12- and 24-month follow-ups. Sleep duration and anthropometrics were collected. Age- and gender-specific BMI z-scores (BMIz) were calculated based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. Sleep duration was estimated using accelerometry. Children were also categorized as long or short sleepers, using the National Sleep Foundation’s recommendation to define adequate sleep duration (10–11 hours for 5- to 12-year-olds). Using linear regressions, we examined whether sleep duration predicted BMIz, waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and weight gain at 24 months. Results Children were mostly short sleepers (82%). Children who slept less were more likely to have a higher BMI z-score, WHtR and weight gain at 24-month follow-up (β = −0.07, P = 0.01; β = −0.11, P < 0.01; β = −0.14, P = 0.02, respectively), after controlling for baseline weight status, child gender, maternal BMI and occupation. Conclusion In Mexican American children, shorter sleep duration at baseline was associated with increased weight status over 24 months.

Longitudinal differences in sleep duration in Hispanic and Caucasian children

“…For example, in adults, decreased sleep duration is associated with an increased risk of obesity [26], and such an association is seen in Mexican Americans, but not in Cuban Americans or Puerto Ricans [27]. This association has also been described in Mexican-American children [28]. In our study, we aimed to test the hypothesis that there are ethnic differences in parent-reported sleep duration in a community-based cohort of Hispanic and Caucasian children.…”

Sleep Duration and Obesity of Young Mexican-heritage Children in Rural California

“…Latino children suffer the highest obesity rates in the country and are at increased risk for lifelong metabolic illness [1]. At least one other study has shown that Mexican American children with shorter sleep duration are more likely to increase weight status over time [23]. Hence it seems important to target sleep in childhood obesity interventions in these communities.…”

“…Underserved populations stand to benefit from health interventions that target modifiable factors. Disparities in lifestyle variables like diet, activity and sleep have been documented between ethnic groups highlighting the importance of culturally appropriate approaches [21][22][23][24].…”

Childhood Obesity: Epidemiology, Determinants, and Prevention

“…A cross-sectional study conducted among 229 Mexican American 8-10-year-olds and concluded that children who slept less were more likely to have a higher BMI Z-Score [35]. A cohort study done in Japan observed positive relationship between decreased sleeping hours and obesity after adjusting for potential confounding factors [36].…”