Sleep Duration and Obesity in Children and Adolescents: Review

Publication date: Available online 4 July 2018Source: Canadian Journal of DiabetesAuthor(s): Shannon WagnerAbstractIncreased rates of obesity internationally have drawn significant attention. In particular, researchers and practitioners are seeking new information about risk factors for obesity that could potentially be areas for preventative interventions. Given that obesity rates in children and adolescents are increasing worldwide, particular attention to child and adolescent obesity is needed. A large, and growing, body of research indicates that inadequate sleep duration is linked to obesity. The current article reviews the extant literature on sleep duration and obesity in children and adolescents by reviewing current theories of obesity as well as available literature specifically evaluating the relationship of obesity and sleep in children and adolescents, including epidemiological, experimental, and intervention research. Overall, our literature review concludes that the relationship between short sleep and increased obesity risk has research support internationally, including via the few Canadian articles available and discussed in our review.
Source: Canadian Journal of Diabetes - Category: Endocrinology Source Type: research