Is There a Link Between Sleep Quality and a Tendency for Eating Disorders?

Abstract

Aim: Poor sleep quality has been associated with an increased risk of developing eating disorders, and unhealthy eating behaviours. The aim of the study was to explore the potential link between sleep quality and eating disorders. Subjects and Method: This descriptive, observational, and cross-sectional study was conducted with 357 (84 male; 273 female) university students between the ages of 18-25 years. Exclusion criteria included being diagnosed with chronic disease and psychiatric disorders, being pregnant and lactating, using drugs that affect sleep patterns, being shift workers, and participants who did not complete the questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of six parts including Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ-21), SCOFF (REZZY) Eating Disorders Scale, anthropometric measurements, demographic properties, and nutritional habits. Results: The prevalence of poor sleep quality was found to be 63% and there was no significant difference between gender in terms of sleep quality (p=0.769). There was significant relationship between total TFEQ 21 (p=0.02), SCORF (REZZY) (p<0.001) scores and sleep quality. Uncontrolled eating behaviours was found higher in students with poor sleep quality (p<0.05). Age, body mass index (kg/m2), and smoking were not significant predictors of sleep quality. However, participants with a tendency towards eating disorders behaviour were found to have a significantly higher risk of poor sleep quality (odds ratio [OR]: 2.338, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.444-3.785, p=0.001), as were those with a tendency towards emotional eating behaviour (OR: 1.575, 95% CI: 1.022-2.427, p=0.040). Conclusion: Students with poor sleep quality had higher levels of uncontrolled eating behaviour and a tendency towards unhealthy eating attitudes than those with good sleep quality.