The Relationship between Sleep Quality and Obesity in Elementary School Children

Mostafa  Yazdani; Reihaneh  Mohammadi Jorjafki; Farzaneh  Raaii; Ladan  Shahba; Farzaneh  Jahanbakhsh

doi:10.18502/ijdo.v18i1.21058

Mostafa Yazdani Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine Shahid Beheshti Hospital Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Reihaneh Mohammadi Jorjafki Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine Shahid Beheshti Hospital Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Farzaneh Raaii Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine Shahid Beheshti Hospital Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Ladan Shahba Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine Shahid Beheshti Hospital Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Farzaneh Jahanbakhsh Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine Shahid Beheshti Hospital Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijdo.v18i1.21058

Keywords: Obesity, Sleep quality, Body mass index, Children, Sleep disorders

Abstract

Objective: Obesity and sleep disorders are major health concerns in children, with long-term consequences for physical and mental health. Numerous studies have shown a correlation between poor sleep quality and obesity, highlighting the importance of a deeper investigation into this matter. This study aims to examine the association between sleep quality and obesity in elementary school children in Kerman in 2023.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 384 children aged 7-13 years. Demographic data and sleep quality were gathered using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Weight status was assessed by appropriate anthropometric measurements. Data were analyzed with SPSS software version 29, using T-tests and ANOVA.

Results: Sleep quality in obese children was significantly lower than in children with normal or overweight status (P< 0.001). Additionally, sleep quality decreased with age (P< 0.001). Gender (P= 0.222), family income (P= 0.625), and chronic illness (P= 0.664) had no significant effect on sleep quality.

Conclusion: While obesity and age were significant indications of poor sleep quality, gender, income level, and health history were not. These results highlight the importance of obesity management and awareness among parents and educators regarding the importance of sleep quality in children's academic performance and mental health.