Inadequate sleep and unhealthy food habits in portuguese adolescents

Abstract

Adolescence is a unique stage of life time that often promotes changes in sleep habits, meals frequency and body composition, reflecting on the physical, mental and social well-being. The aim of this study was to analyze sleep quality and food habits in adolescents of both sexes. And to determine whether the food consumed favor the regulation of sleep cycle in accordance with its nutritional properties. 143 Portuguese adolescents (15.6 ± 2.71 years old): 73 girls (15.16 ± 1.02 years old) and 70 boys (15.20 ± 1.10 years old) were evaluated by a questionnaire, which collected: anthropometric data (weight, height and body mass index-BMI); food habits from a semi-quantitative questionnaire and; sleep assessed by the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Descriptive linear regression analysis and Pearson correlation coefficients were used. The significance level was 5%. Data was analyzed using SPSS, version 18.0. Most adolescents presented poor sleep quality ( n = 72;50.3%) and severe somnolence ( n = 52;36.4%). Adolescents consumed more macronutrients than recommended. On the other hand, skipping meals was very frequent ( n = 89;62.4%), as well as the consumption of snacks rich in fat and soft drinks. Adolescents with higher levels of energy intake showed poorest sleep quality and more daytime somnolence ( p < 0.05). Snacks and soft drinks consumption were associated to a high BMI (>30 Kg/m 2 ). Poor sleep quality and quantity can influence energy intake in adolescents and BMI. Energy balance was altered, which can compromises adolescents health and daily behaviors.