Short Sleep Duration: Effects on Nutrient Intake and Mood State

Abstract

It is unclear whether the primary mechanism for weight gain in sleep‐deprived college students is through changes in nutrient intake, negative mood states, or alterations in energy status.PurposeWe aimed to determine short sleep duration (< 6 hours/night) effects on nutrient intake and mood state in the undergraduate college population.MethodsThe study population consisted of 62 undergraduate students at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU). Upon acceptance into the study, a link to the web‐based Automated Self‐administered 24‐hour (ASA24) diet recall and survey was administered through REDcap, a secure web‐based database. The diet recall was used to assess nutrient intake. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to investigate sleep adequacy while a profile mood state questionnaire (POMS) was used to assess mood patterns. Finally, the International Physical Activity Short Last 7 days Self Admin (IPAQ) was used to determine exercise patterns.ResultsThere was no correlation (p > 0.05) between sleep duration and macronutrient intake. A direct relationship (p = 0.0111), however was seen between percent fat intake and PSQI total score. Total mood disturbance (TMD) appears to be linked to sleep duration and sleep quality; individuals with > 6 hours of sleep/night had lower TMD scores (p = 0.0091) and thus more positive mood states. BMI and physical activity was not associated with sleep duration, PSQI total score, and TMD.ConclusionsShort sleep duration and poor sleep quality appear to have a negative effect on mood state in the college undergraduate population. Poor sleep quality also results in a higher daily fat intake in this population, although all other macronutrient intakes appear to be unaffected.