Effects of Sleep on Adolescents’ Appetite, Dietary Intake, and Weight

INTRODUCTION: Several factors have been associated with excess weight gain in adolescents, including loss of sleep. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of sleep factors on appetite, dietary intake, and the body weights of adolescent youth. METHODS: A prospective correlational study design was used. Male and female adolescents (N = 76) ages 12–18 years completed a 5-night study. Sleep was assessed using Fitbits (88.5% accuracy) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) (test-retest reliability = .81); appetite was assessed by a Visual Analog Scale (α = 0.84); dietary intake was assessed by the Block Kids Food Screener (reliability up to .88); sleep hygiene was assessed using the Adolescent Sleep Hygiene Practice Scale (α = .67). RESULTS: Poor sleep quality was reported by 39.5% of participants, and 75% of participants had inadequate sleep time (7.33 h). Participants’ age significantly correlated with PSQI scores (r = .28, p < .05) and BMI (r = .37, p < .01). Participants’ PSQI scores significantly correlated with sleep hygiene (r = .45, p = .05) and appetite (r = .3 3, p < .01). Sleep latency significantly correlated with sleep hygiene (r = .32, p < .05). Several sleep hygiene factors correlated significantly with the participants’ sleep quality, quantity and latency scores and dietary intakes. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that changes in sleep hygiene practices may improve adolescent sleep quality and quantity as well as appetite and dietary intake.