Beyond sleep duration: Sleep timing as a risk factor for childhood obesity

Abstract

Background: Ample evidence attests to the relationship between short sleep duration, sleep problems and childhood obesity. However, few studies have examined the association between sleep timing and obesity in children. Objectives: To investigate how sleep duration, problems and timing relate to obesity and obesogenic behaviours in children. Methods: Eighty-five children (58.8% girls) with severe obesity and mean (SD) age of 12.1 (2.9) years, were matched by age and sex with peers with normal weight (n = 85,12.0 [2.8] years). Sleep and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were measured via accelerometer for seven consecutive days. Children self-reported emotional eating on the Dutch eating behavior questionnaire. Parents reported children's screen time and sleep problems. Results: Children with severe obesity had significantly later mean mid-sleep time, overall (36 minutes later, P