Trishnee Bhurosy1, Krisha Thiagarajah2. 1. Postdoctoral Fellow, (tb664@cinj.rutgers.edu), Division of Population Science, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey,195 Little Albany St, New Brunswick, NJ 08901. 2. Senior Lecturer, (kthiagar@indiana.edu), School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Sleep deprivation adversely impacts cognitive performance. A nutritious diet is one strategy that can prevent sleep deprivation and its adverse effects. However, few data exist regarding the influence of diet on sleep duration among adolescents. Hence, it is important to assess whether dietary habits are linked to adequate sleep among adolescents. METHODS: The 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Survey data were used in the analysis. Nationally representative samples of adolescents were obtained using a 3-stage cluster design. Selected survey items included number of hours slept on a school night, fruit and vegetable intake, soda and milk intake, breakfast consumption, and demographic variables. Data were analyzed with SAS 9.4 using a logistic regression model. RESULTS: Holding other variables constant, an increase in total daily consumption of vegetables, milk, and breakfast increased the odds of sleeping ≥8 hours among participants (p < .01). An increase in daily soda intake decreased the odds of sleeping ≥8 hours among participants (p < .01). Separate logistic models for males and females yielded similar findings (p < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Promoting healthy eating habits such as intake of vegetables, milk, and breakfast consumption among adolescents may increase their likelihood of getting adequate sleep.
BACKGROUND:Sleep deprivation adversely impacts cognitive performance. A nutritious diet is one strategy that can prevent sleep deprivation and its adverse effects. However, few data exist regarding the influence of diet on sleep duration among adolescents. Hence, it is important to assess whether dietary habits are linked to adequate sleep among adolescents. METHODS: The 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Survey data were used in the analysis. Nationally representative samples of adolescents were obtained using a 3-stage cluster design. Selected survey items included number of hours slept on a school night, fruit and vegetable intake, soda and milk intake, breakfast consumption, and demographic variables. Data were analyzed with SAS 9.4 using a logistic regression model. RESULTS: Holding other variables constant, an increase in total daily consumption of vegetables, milk, and breakfast increased the odds of sleeping ≥8 hours among participants (p < .01). An increase in daily soda intake decreased the odds of sleeping ≥8 hours among participants (p < .01). Separate logistic models for males and females yielded similar findings (p < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Promoting healthy eating habits such as intake of vegetables, milk, and breakfast consumption among adolescents may increase their likelihood of getting adequate sleep.