Weight status and disordered sleep in preschool children, parents’ negative mood states and marital status

Abstract

ABSTRACTShort sleep duration has increased in tandem with rising obesity levels in all age groups. Research on parent mental health and its relationship with childhood obesity has been growing in recent years. This cross-sectional study assessed children’s zBMI (Body Mass Index adjusted for age and sex) and parent-reported children’s sleep behaviors, parents’ negative emotional state, and parents’ marital status in a sample of 4- to 5-year-old children. Eight-hundred seventy-seven parents answered the DASS (Depression Anxiety Stress Scales) and CSHQ (Children’s Sleep Habit Questionnaire) and reported children’s height and weight. Children in the ≥ 85th percentile weight category had significantly more sleep behavior problems than children in the < 85th percentile weight category. Mothers of children in the ≥ 85th percentile weight category were more likely to be in the overweight/obese category and had more depressive symptoms than mothers of children in the < 85th percentile weight category. Single fathers had higher levels of anxiety and depression and their children had greater sleep behavior problems than fathers in a relationship/married. The findings indicate a difference between children below and above the 85th BMI percentile in terms of children’s sleep habits and parents’ negative emotional state.