“…Leptin is a hormone released by the adipocytes that suppresses appetite; ghrelin is a peptide in the stomach that stimulates appetite (Meier & Gressner, 2004). The relationship between sleep and obesity is likely bi-directional and influenced by a large number of possible moderating or mediating variables that may relate to sleep, weight status, or both, including daytime sleepiness (e.g., Calhoun et al, 2011), physical activity level (e.g., Jerrin et al, 2013), electronic use (e.g., Berkey et al, 2008;Chahal, Fung, Kuhle, & Veugelers, 2013), or chronotype (i.e., individual differences in circadian rhythm; Schaal, Peter, & Randler, 2010;Urban, Magyarodi, & Rigo, 2011). See the previously cited literature for additional information on alternative explanations for the pediatric sleep/obesity relationship and other potential moderating/mediating variables.…”