Relationships of Sleep Duration With Weight-Related Behaviors of U.S. College Students

Examination of eating competence in a geo-diverse sample with metabolic syndrome

Eating competence (EatC) is an intra-individual approach to eating attitudes and behaviors associated with greater well-being. EatC research has not included persons with confirmed metabolic syndrome (MetS). Therefore, EatC of persons with MetS was explored to identify unique associations and inform implementation of MetS lifestyle interventions using baseline data from a multisite, randomized trial of a 2-year lifestyle intervention with MetS. EatC, measured with the Satter Eating Competence Inventory 2.0 (ecSI 2.0™), was examined for relationships with bioclinical measures (e.g., blood pressure, lipids), medication use, BMI, waist circumference, fruit/vegetable intake, and psychosocial factors, (e.g., stress, mindfulness). Data were collected in person and video call by trained research personnel. EatC was examined as a continuous score and as a categorical variable with ecSI 2.0™ scores ≥ 32 considered eating competent. Participants (n = 618) were predominantly female (76%), White (74%), college educated (60%). Mean age was 55.5 ± 11 y. Mean ecSI 2.0™ was 29.9 ± 7.4 and 42% were eating competent. EatC was greater for males, persons who were older and food secure. Competent eaters (vs. non-eating competent) had lower waist circumference (112.7 ± 12.5 cm vs.116.8 ± 16.0 cm; P < 0.001) and BMI (35.0 ± 6.1 vs. 37.5 ± 7.3; P < 0.001). Serum triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, and blood pressure did not differ by EatC status. Compared to non-eating competent persons, competent eaters perceived less stress, were more mindful, indicated better physical function, and more habitual vegetable intake (all P < 0.001) and sensory awareness (P < 0.05). EatC in MetS paralleled the non-MetS profile. EatC was associated with a healthier psychosocial profile, waist circumference and BMI. Findings support further research to examine the mediational or moderating influence of EatC in the treatment of MetS.

Weight Loss Programs: Why Do They Fail? A Multidimensional Approach for Obesity Management

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Despite the prevalence of weight loss programs, their success rates remain discouraging, with around half of individuals regaining lost weight within two years. The primary objective of this review is to explore the factors contributing to the failure of weight loss programs and to provide insights into effective weight management strategies.

RECENT FINDINGS

Factors contributing to the failure of weight loss programs include the impracticality of restrictive diets, potential metabolic impacts, limited focus on lifestyle changes, genetic predispositions, psychological influences, socioeconomic status, and medical conditions. A holistic approach considering these factors is crucial for safe and sustainable weight loss. Key findings indicate the importance of holistic approaches to weight management, including lifestyle modifications, medical interventions, and behavioral and psychological strategies. Effective weight loss strategies emphasize low-calorie, nutrient-rich diets, regular physical activity, and interventions tailored to individual needs. Combining multiple approaches offers the best chance of successful weight management and improved health outcomes. This review provides insights into the complexities of obesity management and the factors contributing to the failure of weight loss programs. It highlights the necessity of adopting a holistic approach that addresses dietary habits, physical activity, genetic factors, psychological well-being, and socioeconomic influences. Recommendations include implementing lifestyle modifications, medical interventions when necessary, and integrating behavioral and psychological support to achieve sustainable weight loss and mitigate the global health challenge posed by obesity.

Sleep quality and comfort in fully automated vehicles: A comparison of two seat configurations

As autonomous driving technology advances, the possibility of using vehicles as sleeping environments becomes increasingly relevant. To investigate the feasibility of this concept, a sleep study was conducted with twelve participants who were given a 4-h opportunity window to sleep in both reclined and flat seat configurations. The evaluation involved both objective measures, including polysomnographic (PSG) data analysis, and subjective measures through questionnaires, assessing sleep quality and comfort. While the sleep quantity results were comparable between the two sleeping positions, the reclined position showed a slight advantage in sleep quantity (TST and WASO). Interestingly, a trend highlighting a possible difference was found between the seat positions regarding non-rapid eye movement stage 3 (NREM 3). NREM 3 tended to be in a higher proportion of total sleep time in the flat seat position. Sleep onset latency (SOL) also showed a trend of a shorter latency by participants in the flat position. Additionally, most participants reported a preference for the flat position over the reclined position. These findings suggest that a flat seat configuration could offer a more comfortable and restful sleep environment for passengers in autonomous vehicles.

Insomnia Medication Use by University Students: A Systematic Review

Problematic sleep or insomnia has been a recognised issue for many individuals in society, and university students can be of particular concern due to unique academic pressures. A systematic review was designed to summarise the current evidence about the extent of insomnia medication used by university students and identify characteristics of those more willing to use medication to manage insomnia. Searches were undertaken using Psych INFO, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science, resulting in 25 eligible studies across multiple countries between 1994 and 2020. The prevalence of sleep medication use by students varied widely, from 2% to 41.2%, with an average of 13.1%. Female gender, students experiencing poor sleep, smoking, drinking stimulant beverages, and undertaking fewer physical activities were associated with the use of insomnia medication. Insomnia medication use exists within university student populations but appears to vary considerably worldwide; identifying multiple population characteristics associated with such use would offer opportunities to identify and support those affected.

The impact of the covid-19 pandemic on lifestyle behaviors in U.S. college students

OBJECTIVE

To investigate COVID-19's impact on college student health behaviors.

PARTICIPANTS

189 college students.

METHODS

Participants completed an online survey on behaviors relating to sleep, sedentary activities, and physical activity before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Comparisons utilized Students' dependent t-test or Wilcoxon signed-rank tests.

RESULTS

There was an increase in time to fall asleep (before: 23.4 ± 18.0 vs. during: 42.8 ± 44.3 min·day^-1, p < 0.001), time spent in bed (before: 7.8 ± 1.5 vs. during: 8.5 ± 1.5 hr·day^-1, p < 0.001), as well as shifts in later bed and awake time (p < 0.001). Total sedentary time increased during the pandemic (before: 9.0 ± 3.8 vs. during: 9.9 ± 4.1 hr·day^-1, p = 0.016); and time spent using a TV, computer, or phone (before: 3.1 ± 1.9 vs. during: 4.2 ± 2.3 hr·day^-1, p < 0.001). There was a significant decrease in moderate-vigorous activity (before: 123.8 ± 96.0 vs. during: 108.9 ± 75.5 min·week^-1, p = 0.028) and resistance training days (before: 2.4 ± 2.1 vs. during: 1.7 ± 2.1 days·week^-1, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

COVID-19 negatively influenced health behaviors in college students.

A systematic review with meta-analyses of the relationship between recurrent binge eating and sleep parameters

BACKGROUND

Sleep problems are known to compound the negative effects of other health issues, such as eating disorders and the associated behavior of binge eating. Previous studies suggested associations between binge eating and sleep problems, but the strength of the relationship is unknown.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review with meta-analyses examining the relationship between binge eating and sleep parameters. We searched for studies in Scopus, PubMed, and PsycInfo. The quality of evidence, including risk of bias, was assessed with adaptations of the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Quasi-Experimental Studies, depending on study design. Data was synthesized as the difference in sleep between people who did or did not have binge eating.

RESULTS

Thirty-one reports of studies met our eligibility criteria. Results are presented in 12 meta-analyses. In the 7 reports of studies (with 4448 participants) that assessed poor overall sleep quality, we found poorer overall sleep quality in people with binge eating compared to people without binge eating, with a standardized mean difference of 0.77 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.61-0.92; P < 0.001), which is a large effect size. In addition, we found evidence that people with binge eating had significantly greater hypersomnia/daytime sleepiness (7 reports of studies with 4370 participants), insomnia (5 reports of studies with 12,733 participants), and difficulty falling asleep (3 reports of studies with 4089 participants) compared to people without binge eating, with moderate effect sizes (standardized mean differences of 0.57-0.66).

CONCLUSIONS

People with binge eating exhibit poorer overall sleep quality compared to people without binge eating, and may also exhibit greater hypersomnia/daytime sleepiness, insomnia, and difficulty falling asleep. It is recommended that healthcare professionals routinely screen for poor overall sleep quality when treating people with binge eating-and address sleep difficulties when present.

Eating Competence among Brazilian College Students

Eating competence (EC) is a biopsychosocial concept related to a healthier eating pattern. Studies have shown that weight gain and body shape and weight dissatisfaction are typical among college students, contributing to low self-esteem, risky eating behaviors, and a propensity to develop eating disorders. As eating habits are determinant factors for food choices that can be modified by eating behavior, this study aimed to evaluate EC in college students from Brazil, using the Brazilian version of the EC Satter Inventory (ecSI2.0™BR), and EC's association with health data. This cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey spread using the snowball method. The self-report instrument was divided into three parts (socioeconomic and demographic data; health data; and ecSI2.0™BR). Recruitment took place through social networks, and 593 students from public and private universities from all five regions of Brazil participated in the survey. The EC average was 29.46 ± 8.67, and 46.2% of the sample were considered competent eaters. Total EC did not differ among gender and Brazilian region. Younger participants (up to 20 y/o) presented higher scores for total EC, contextual skills and food acceptance. The total EC and contextual skills of health sciences students did not differ from those of students in other areas, except for agricultural sciences in which students had lower total EC. Obese individuals and the participants who perceived themselves to be overweight had low scores for EC. This study confirmed the hypothesis that college students have low EC, causing worse health outcomes related to BMI, perceived body weight, and occurrence of hypertension and dyslipidemia.

Sleep Duration, Body Mass Index, and Dietary Behaviour among KSU Students

BACKGROUND

Adolescents who receive an adequate amount of sleep benefit from a positive health status. Previous studies have documented several health consequences connected with obesity as well as short sleep duration among adolescents. Poor sleep quality with obesity and uncontrolled diet can lead to chronic diseases in the future. This study aimed to examine the link between eating habits, sleep duration, and body mass index (BMI) among King Saud University (KSU) students.

METHODS

The study was cross-sectional and conducted from February to May 2021 on 311 recruited students (male and female) of KSU premises. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index questionnaire was used to describe sleep duration linked with a dietary pattern that included fruit and vegetable intake. The questionnaire consists of two sections of 15 and 10 questions each. The questionnaire was created using the Google Forms tool and distributed through social media platforms like Twitter and WhatsApp. The obtained data was transferred into excel to perform the statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The mean total of students who participated in this study was 21.45 ± 23.11. Female students (72.3%) were actively involved in this study. About 30.2% of students were found to be overweight and obese. Around 67.8% of students had insufficient sleep, 32.2% had adequate sleep, and over 70% of students fell asleep within 30 min of going to bed. A total of 71.7% of students showed good sleep quality, whereas 28.3% reported poor sleep quality. BMI was categorized into four groups: 17.7% of individuals were underweight, 52.1% were of normal weight threshold, 20.6% were overweight, and 9.6% were obese. On a regular basis, 12.5% of students consume vegetables and 6.4% fruits daily. The results of this study show that only 8% of students eat breakfast, whereas 62.1% eat lunch, and 29.9% eat dinner.

CONCLUSION

This study concludes that short sleep duration was associated with obesity among KSU students. This association was also found between sleep duration and dietary factors, specifically in the consumption of fruits and vegetables in terms of eating behaviour.

Eating Competence, Food Consumption and Health Outcomes: An Overview

Eating Competence (EC) is one behavioral perspective of eating practices that has been associated with a healthy lifestyle. It emphasizes eating pleasure, self-regulation of eating, body weight satisfaction, and regular meal frequency that includes food variety without focusing on dietary guidelines. EC is composed of four components (Eating Attitude, Food Acceptance, Internal Regulation, and Contextual Skill), and its assessment is performed using the Eating Competence Satter Inventory (ecSI2.0™), developed and validated in English for an adult population. EC has been associated with diet quality and health indicators for various population groups and the development of skills that increase EC might be a strategy to improve nutritional health, and prevent obesity and other chronic diseases. In this sense, this study presents an overview of the background, concepts, features, and possible associations among EC, food consumption, and health outcomes. The high prevalence of diseases associated with food/nutrition draws attention to the necessity to broaden the view on food and its relationship with health and well-being, considering not only nutrients and food combinations but also the behavioral dimensions of eating practices. Healthy nutritional recommendations that take into account attitudes and behaviors are in accordance with the EC behavioral model. Studies on eating behavior emphasize the need to better understand attitudes towards food and eating in the general population using validated instruments. In this context, measuring EC and its association with health outcomes seems to be relevant to nutritional health. The complexity of food choices has been examined in social, behavioral, and biological sciences, representing a great challenge for applying unique and simple theoretical models. Multiple methods are required, as no single theory can fully explain food selection.

Eating Competence among Brazilian Adults: A Comparison between before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The coronavirus pandemic started a worldwide emergency, and tight preventive actions were necessary to protect the population, changing individuals' daily habits. Dwelling and working at home can change dietary habits, affect food choice and access, as well as the practice of physical activity. In this regard, this study's goal was to compare eating competence (EC) among Brazilian adults before and during the coronavirus pandemic, using the Brazilian version of the eating competence Satter inventory (ecSI2.0™BR) with the "retrospective post-then-pre" design. This cross-sectional study was performed from 30 April to 31 May 2021 among a convenience sample of the Brazilian adult population using an online platform (Google® Forms). In the studied sample (n = 302 in which 76.82% were females), EC total score lowered during the pandemic (31.69 ± 8.26 vs. 29.99 ± 9.72; p < 0.005), and the decrease was worst after the beginning of the pandemic among those who reported weight gain, decreased the consumption of fruit and vegetables, and increased the consumption of sugary beverages. The contextual skill component seems relevant in this scenario, where our life and routines were changed entirely, demonstrating that the ability to manage the food context is essential, especially when sanitary and economic situations represent a new challenge.

The Associations Between Objectively Measured Gait Speed and Subjective Sleep Quality in First-Year University Students, According to Gender

PURPOSE

To examine the associations between gait speed and sleep quality in first-year university students, according to gender.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 193 first-year university students [mean age±standard deviation (SD): 19.6±1.1 years; mean height: 178.0±10.5 cm; mean weight: 74.0±11.0 kg; 26.9% women). Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality questionnaire, with a lower score indicating "better" sleep quality. Gait speed was measured using the Zebris pressure platform. The associations were examined with generalized linear models and multiple regression analysis.

RESULTS

In the unadjusted model, faster participants had significantly "better" sleep quality (β=-3.15, 95% CI -3.82 to -2.47, p<0.001). When the model was adjusted for sex, age, body-mass index, self-rated health, smoking status, and psychological distress, faster participants remained having "better" sleep quality (β=-2.88, 95% CI -3.53 to -2.22, p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

This study shows that sleep quality can be predicted by gait speed in the first-year university students.

Determinants of sleep quality in college students: A literature review

PURPOSE

To review the various determinants of sleep quality among college students.

METHODS

The PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases were searched with the search string "sleep quality" AND "college students" for articles published between January 2007 and October 2017. Articles were excluded if they (1) examined sleep quality as a risk factor for other outcomes or (2) involved inpatients or participants under medical care.

RESULTS

The 112 identified studies were classified into categories according to the investigated determinants and their effect on sleep quality. Physical activity and healthy social relations improved sleep quality, while caffeine intake, stress and irregular sleep-wake patterns decreased sleep quality. Less consistent results were reported regarding eating habits and sleep knowledge, while proper napping during the day might improve overall sleep quality.

CONCLUSIONS

College students are vulnerable to different risk factors for sleep quality. When designing interventions to improve sleep quality among college students, the main determinants need to be taken into consideration.

Psychometric examination of the Japanese translation of the Satter eating competence Inventory-2.0™ for parents of fifth and sixth grade students

AIM

To verify the reliability and validity of a Japanese translation of the Satter eating competence Inventory-2.0™ (ecSI-2.0™) for parents of fifth and sixth grade elementary school students.

METHODS

Participants were parents who prepared meals for their children aged 10-12 years. A preliminary study was conducted with 11 parents using semi-structured interviews and questionnaires, followed by a main study of 2,825 parents. Internal consistency and test-retest methods were used to verify reliability. Face and content validity were confirmed in the preliminary study, and feasibility was examined by the valid response rate and response time. Construct validity was verified using factor validity and known population validity.

RESULTS

Of the 2,825 persons surveyed, 626 returned valid responses, and among the 60 persons who received the re-survey, 48 returned valid responses. The average score of the Japanese translation of the ecSI-2.0™ was 33.1 (SD ± 7.8) points. Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the whole scale was .87 and ranged from .67-.79 for the four subscales. The test-retest method confirmed the scale's stability. Factor analysis confirmed that reproducibility of the four factors was similar to the original version. In the examination of known population validity, the same correlation as the original edition was confirmed.

CONCLUSIONS

The Japanese translation of the ecSI-2.0™ may be reliable and valid for understanding eating competence related to behavior of parents of school-age children.

Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and Self-efficacy as Mediators in the Mediation of Sleep Quality and Grades in Nursing Students

University is a period in which students can experience a considerable amount of challenges that may influence their health lifestyles. The aim of this article is to discover the role of therapeutic adherence to the Mediterranean diet and self-efficacy as mediators in the relationship between sleep quality and the average grades of nursing students. The sample was made up of 334 nursing students, with a mean age of 21.84 years (SD = 6.24). Pittsburgh Sleep Quality questionnaires, adherence to the Mediterranean diet and the Baessler and Shwarzer General Self-efficacy Scale were administered. The results of the multiple mediational model determined that quality of sleep has a direct influence on academic performance. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet and quality of sleep have an effect on the degree of self-efficacy of nursing students. This study demonstrates that good sleep quality and adherence to the Mediterranean diet improve academic performance in nursing students. Future research should include multicenter longitudinal studies.

Eating Competence Associated with Food Consumption and Health Outcomes among Brazilian Adult Population

This study aimed to associate Eating Competence (EC) with food consumption and health outcomes in the Brazilian adult population. Researchers developed a questionnaire to associate EC with sociodemographic information, health outcomes, and food consumption. Data on body weight and height was referred to by participants in the questionnaire, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated and classified. A question to evaluate the perception of body size was included. After constructing the questionnaire items, content validation and semantic evaluation were performed following the Delphi method with a group of judges composed of 26 health professionals. The judges evaluated the sociodemographic information, health outcomes, and food consumption items associated with the eating competence instrument (previously validated in Brazilian-Portuguese). The final version of the questionnaire was composed of 33 items. Our results confirmed good reliability, responsiveness, and internal consistency. A total of 1810 Brazilians answered the questionnaire. Most of the participants were female, up to 40 years old, with a high education level and high income. Most of the participants did not report diabetes or hypertension. The EC total score did not differ among males and females. Individuals up to 40 years old presented a lower total score. The increase in educational level and income also increased EC total score. Excess weight individuals showed lower EC compared to the normal weight/underweight. Individuals who consumed fruits and/or vegetables five or more days/week presented the best scores for total EC.

Markers of poor sleep quality increase sedentary behavior in college students as derived from accelerometry

PURPOSE

Sleep is essential for overall health and can impact academic performance. Prior research reports reduced sleep time in college students. Poor sleep may impact physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior, or vice versa, but has not been examined extensively in this population. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine markers of sleep quality, PA, and sedentary behavior in college students using objective means.

METHODS

A convenience sample of college students underwent body composition analysis and 7-day objective PA and sleep assessment via accelerometry.

RESULTS

Among 81 college students (53 women), there was no association between total sleep time (TST) and weekly average PA. TST was negatively associated with sedentary minutes per day, sedentary bouts per day, and total time in sedentary bouts per day. Greater sedentary bouts per day and average sedentary minutes per day were seen in those with a TST < 6 h, with no difference in body composition. Further, TST was negatively associated with sedentary minutes accumulated on the subsequent day, for all 7 days.

CONCLUSION

In a primarily residential college student cohort, poor sleep is associated with sedentary behavior more than PA. These students, who require a high amount of transport PA to and from campus during the week, are compensating by sleeping more and moving less on the weekend.

Eating Competence among a Select Sample of Brazilian Adults: Translation and Reproducibility Analyses of the Satter Eating Competence Inventory

This study aimed to translate and validate the Satter Eating Competence Inventory (ecSI2.0^TM) from English to Brazilian Portuguese. The process included three steps: (i) translation and back-translation of the original ecSI2.0^TM to Brazilian Portuguese; (ii) evaluation of its reproducibility; (iii) a pilot study to validate the Brazilian version of the Satter Eating Competence Inventory (ecSI2.0^TMBR) for a selected sample of the Brazilian adult population (internal consistency and factor validity). The reproducibility (test–retest reliability) was verified using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) obtained by the responses of 32 Brazilian adults. All domains of the ecSI2.0^TMBR and the total score showed ICC > 0.8. Considering the entire questionnaire, none of the domains presented significant divergences among the participants’ responses (p < 0.001). In the pilot study with 662 individuals, 74.9% (n= 496) were female, mean age was 40.33 ± 12.55, and they presented a higher level of schooling and income. Analyses revealed Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of 0.869 for the ecSI2.0^TMBR total scale, 0.793 for Eating Attitudes, 0.527 for Internal Regulation, 0.728 for Food Acceptance, and 0.822 for Contextual Skills. In general, the ecSI2.0™BR presented good acceptability, showing total floor and ceiling effects of ≤0.6%. Factor validity was examined by confirmatory factor analysis. The four domains presented a good fit in the confirmatory factor analysis: RMSEA = 0.0123 (95% CI: 0–0.0266); CFI = 0.998; χ² = 75.9; df = 69; p = 0.266. The ecSI2.0^TMBR is the first tool designed to measure eating competence (EC) in the Brazilian population, showing good reproducibility and internal consistency. We expect the ecSI2.0^TMBR will support innovative research to investigate the association of EC and health outcomes, as well as new strategies based on emerging behavioral theories to enhance nutritional education policy.

Exploring Relationships of Sleep Duration with Eating and Physical Activity Behaviors among Canadian University Students

BACKGROUND

Students pursuing postsecondary education are a population described as vulnerable for sleep problems, poor dietary habits, weight gain, and reduced physical activity. The primary goal of this study was to examine relationships of sleep behaviors with eating and physical activity behaviors in a sample of undergraduate health sciences students.

METHODS

Using a cross-sectional design, undergraduate health sciences students in a small Canadian university were recruited to complete an on-line questionnaire about their sleep, eating, and physical activity behaviors using valid and reliable instruments. Key sociodemographic characteristics and self-reported height and weight data were also captured.

RESULTS

The participants (n = 245) were on average 23 years of age, female (86%), and the majority were full-time students (92%). The mean BMI was within a healthy range (mean 24.58 SD 5.55) with the majority reporting low physical activity levels (65%). Despite self-reports of very or fairly good (65%) sleep quality in the past month, the mean global sleep scores (scores > 5, mean 7.4, SD 3.3) indicated poor overall sleep quality. Poorer sleep quality was associated with higher BMIs (r = 0.265, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings highlight the need to expand the scope of on-campus wellness programs to promote healthy sleep habits in a vulnerable university population.

Why young women gain weight: A narrative review of influencing factors and possible solutions

Significant weight gain occurs in women during young adulthood, which increases risk of diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and many cancers. This review aims to inform future individually targeted weight gain prevention programmes and summarizes possible targets: key life events, mediators that influence energy intake and physical activity levels, and moderators that could identify groups of women at greatest risk. Life events affecting weight include pregnancy and motherhood, smoking cessation, marriage and cohabiting, attending university, and possibly bereavement. Research has identified successful methods for preventing weight gain associated with pregnancy and motherhood, which could now be used in practice, but evidence is inconclusive for preventing weight gain around other life events. Weight gain is mediated by lack of knowledge and skills around food and nutrition, depression, anxiety, stress, satiety, neural responses, and possibly sleep patterns and premenstrual cravings. A paucity of research exists into altering these to limit weight gain. Moderators include socioeconomic status, genetics, personality traits, and eating styles. More research is required to identify at-risk females and engage them in weight gain prevention. There is a need to address evidence gaps highlighted and implement what is currently known to develop effective strategies to limit weight gain in young women.

Influence of Sleeping Patterns in Health and Academic Performance Among University Students

Sleep problems in university students are important and have implications for health, quality of life, and academic performance. Using an ex post facto design, a total sample of 855 students (55.7% women) participated in the study. Sleep assessment was conducted using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Nightmare Frequency Scale, the Nightmare Proneness Scale, and the Composite Morningness Scale. Women show a higher risk [OR = 2.61] of presenting poor sleep quality (> 5 points on the PSQI) compared with men (p < 0.001). Similarly, women reported a greater frequency of nightmares (p < 0.001, d = 0.60), greater propensity for nightmares (p < 0.001, d = 0.70) and a higher score on Item-5h of the PSQI regarding nightmares (p < 0.001, d = 0.59). Women, compared with men, show higher risk [OR = 2.84] for a sleep disorder related to nightmares (p = 0.012). Women need more time to reach a state of alertness after getting up (p = 0.022), and there was an interaction between sex and the alertness factor when evaluating the subjective quality of sleep (p = 0.030). Women show worse sleep quality and a higher frequency and propensity for suffering nightmares. When considering the relationship between sleep quality and academic performance, it is observed that students with poor sleep quality obtain lower academic scores (M = 7.21, SD = 0.805) than those with good sleep quality (M = 7.32, SD = 0.685), an effect that reaches significance (t = 2.116, p = 0.035). Regarding the relationship between the categorized chronotype and academic performance, students with a morning chronotype achieve better academic results (M = 7.41, SD = 0.89) than their evening counterparts (M = 7.15, SD = 0.76), although these differences have a small effect size (d = 0.31).

Satter Eating Competence Inventory Subscale Restructure After Confirmatory Factor Analysis

OBJECTIVE

To examine the structural validity of the empirically and theoretically derived Satter Eating Competence Inventory (ecSI 2.0).

METHODS

Confirmatory factor analyses with 3 databases and a merger with 3 additional data sets (n = 2,010) from demographically heterogeneous samples.

RESULTS

Findings supported retaining all 16 items and migration of the item I trust myself to eat enough for me from the Internal Regulation to Eating Attitudes subscales, providing 4 distinct but correlated subscales and an adequately fitting model, χ²(98) = 1,364.27, P < .001, comparative fit index = .91, root mean square error of approximation = .07, 95% confidence interval, 0.07-0.08, standardized root mean square residual = .05.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

Psychometric integrity of the 16-item ecSI 2.0 was affirmed. Continued examination is recommended with cultural and linguistically diverse samples and network analyses to identify dynamic interactions among items.

Bridging the Reciprocal Gap between Sleep and Fruit and Vegetable Consumption: A Review of the Evidence, Potential Mechanisms, Implications, and Directions for Future Work

A substantial burden of disease and mortality globally is attributable to both sleep disruption and low intakes of fruit and vegetable (FV) and there is increasing mechanistic and epidemiological evidence to support a reciprocal relationship between the two. This review provides an overview of experimental and observational studies assessing the relations between sleep and FV consumption from 52 human adult studies. Experimental studies are currently limited and show inconsistent results. Observational studies support a non-linear association with adults sleeping the recommended 7–9 hours/day having the highest intakes of FV. The potential mechanisms linking sleep and FV consumption are highlighted. Disrupted sleep influences FV consumption through homeostatic and non-homeostatic mechanisms. Conversely, FV consumption may influence sleep through polyphenol content via several potential pathways. Few human experimental studies have examined the effects of FV items and their polyphenols on sleep and there is a need for more studies to address this. An appreciation of the relationship between sleep and FV consumption may help optimize sleep and FV consumption and may reduce the burden of chronic diseases. This review provides implications for public health and directions for future work.

Expression of anger in university students according to perceived quality of sleep

Objective

We analyzed the expression of anger according to the perceived quality of sleep in university students.

Methods

A total sample of 1252 students participated in the study, with an average age of 23.58 years. Using an ex-post facto design and an incidental sampling procedure, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory-2 were applied.

Results

Students with poor sleep quality (PSQI scores> 5) scored higher on the subscales of STAXI-2, showing higher risk of obtaining superior values in Trait Anxiety [OR=1.90] and in the Index of Expression of Anger [OR=1.56], but not in Internal Control of Anger.

Conclusions

There appears to be a marked relationship between quality of sleep and anger, and it is suggested that sleep hygiene programs can help to reduce the negative consequences of poor sleep quality in terms of health and academic performance in students.

Impact of Poor Sleep Quality on the Academic Performance of Medical Students

Introduction: Adequate sleep has a crucial role in enhancing cognitive skills especially memory retention. Poor night time sleep quality and the consequent daytime sleepiness affect physical and cognitive health of students and their academic performance. The aim of this study is to find whether or not poor academic performance is a consequence of poor sleep quality among Pakistani medical students.

Methods: It was an observational, cross-sectional study conducted with undergraduate medical students. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to assess the sleep quality. Academic performance was assessed by mean grade point average (GPA) of the students. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 22.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA).

Results: There were 512 (64.24%) students with global PSQI score ≥5 indicating poor sleep quality. The mean GPA of poor sleepers was 2.92 ± 1.09 which was significantly lower than that of good sleepers (p < 0.0001). In the group of students who scored lower GPA (2.0-2.7), 28.2% had very bad subjective sleep quality, 29.05% had sleep latency of 16-30 min, 29.4% had sleep duration of <5-7 h, 27.8% had sleep efficiency of <85%, and 37.7% experienced daytime dysfunction almost every day.

Conclusion: Medical students of Pakistan have poor sleep quality which has a negative impact on their academic performance. Adequate sleep is essential to refresh the students every day and help them in learning and memory processing. Medical students and their facilitators should comprehend the negative effects of sleep deprivation on student academics and should take adequate measures to improve the sleep quality of students.

Insomnia and eating expectancies among college students: the role of emotion dysregulation

There is limited understanding of the relation between insomnia and aspects of eating among college students though available data suggest salient clinical relationships. The present study explored a potential transdiagnostic mechanism in the relation between insomnia symptoms and eating expectancies. Participants were a racially/ethnically diverse sample of 1589 college students (80.4% females; Mage = 22.2 years, SD = 5.27) from an urban university. Primary analysis included three regression-based models of eating expectancies. Insomnia symptoms served as the predictor, and emotion dysregulation served as the indirect (mediator) variable in all models. Results indicated that insomnia symptoms yielded a significant indirect effect through emotion dysregulation on expectancies of eating to help manage negative affect, alleviate boredom, and lead to feeling out of control. Students experiencing insomnia symptoms may be at higher risk for experiencing dysregulated emotions and consequently maladaptive eating expectancies compared to good sleepers.

Frontal Underactivation During Working Memory Processing in Adults With Acute Partial Sleep Deprivation: A Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Study

Individuals with partial sleep deprivation may have working memory (WM) impairment, but the underlying neural mechanism of this phenomenon is relatively unknown. The present study examined neural processing during WM performance in individuals with and without partial sleep deprivation using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Forty college students (10 males) were equally split into Sufficient Sleep (SS) and Insufficient Sleep (IS) groups based on self-reports of previous night's sleep duration. Participants in the SS group obtained the recommended amounts of sleep according to various sleep organizations (i.e., >7.0 h), whereas those in the IS group obtained amounts of sleep no greater than the lower limit of the recommendation (i.e., ≤7.0 h). All participants underwent an n-back paradigm with a WM load (i.e., 3-back) and a control condition (i.e., 0-back) while their prefrontal hemodynamics were recorded by NIRS. The IS and SS groups performed the tasks comparably well. However, unlike the SS group, which exhibited bilateral frontal activation indicated by increased oxyhemoglobin concentration and decreased deoxyhemoglobin concentration during WM processing (i.e., 3-back > 0-back), the IS group did not exhibit such activation. In addition, levels of WM-related frontal activation, especially those on the left side, correlated with sleep duration the night before, even when habitual sleep duration was controlled for. The findings suggest the presence of frontal lobe dysfunction in the absence of evident WM difficulties in individuals with acute partial sleep deprivation. They also highlight the importance of a good night's sleep to brain health.

Sleep indices and eating behaviours in young adults: findings from Project EAT

OBJECTIVE

To test the associations between sleep indices and eating behaviours in young adults, a group vulnerable to suboptimal sleep.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional analysis of survey measures of sleep (i.e. time in bed, variability, timing and quality) and dietary patterns (i.e. breakfast skipping, eating at fast-food restaurants, consumption of sports and energy drinks, and sugar-free, sugar-sweetened and caffeinated beverages).

SETTING

Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area of Minnesota (USA).

SUBJECTS

A total of 1854 respondents (20-30 years, 55·6 % female) from the 2008-2009 survey conducted for the third wave of the population-based Project EAT (Eating and Activity in Teens and Young Adults) study.

RESULTS

After adjustment for demographic and behavioural covariates in linear regression models, those who went to bed after 00.30 hours consumed 0·3 more servings of sugar-sweetened beverages per day, consumed 1·7 times more energy drinks, skipped breakfast 1·8 more times per week and consumed fast food 0·3 more times per week compared with those who went to bed before 22.30 hours. Reported sleep quality in the lowest (Q1) v. highest (Q3) tertile was associated with more intake of energy drinks (Q3 v. Q1, prevalence ratio, 95 % CI: 1·79, 1·24, 2·34), sports drinks (1·28, 1·00, 1·55) and breakfast skipping (adjusted mean, 95 % CI: Q1: 4·03, 3·81, 4·26; Q3: 3·43, 3·17, 3·69). Time in bed and sleep variability were associated with few eating behaviours.

CONCLUSIONS

Some, but not all, sleep indices were related to problematic eating behaviours. Sleep habits may be important to address in interventions and policies that target improvements in eating patterns and health outcomes.

Daytime sleepiness and related factors in nursing students

BACKGROUND

Evaluation of the frequency and causes of daytime sleepiness in nursing students because it is an important factor in improving the health status of the students, controlling sleep problems, improving students' academic achievements, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

AIM

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of daytime sleepiness in nursing students and the factors associated with it.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional research design was used in this study.

PARTICIPANTS

Nursing students (n=382).

METHOD

Data were collected using a questionnaire prepared by the authors to assess socio-demographic characteristics, sleep habits, and problems of nursing students and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), which assesses daytime sleepiness. Descriptive statistics included numbers, percentages, mean, median, and standard deviation. Mann-Whitney U test (Z) and Kruskal-Wallis (KW) analysis of variance were used for evaluating the relationship between ESS scores and independent variables.

RESULTS

The prevalence of daytime sleepiness in the students was found to be 10.5%. Those in the 2nd grade, who were married, who did not consume coffee or tea, lived alone, regarded their own academic achievement as poor, and used the Internet during morning hours experienced increased daytime sleepiness. Moreover, students who talk in their sleep, grind their teeth, feel restless before sleep, experience problems in falling asleep, and wake up at night were found to experience increased daytime sleepiness.

CONCLUSIONS

Daytime sleepiness is a considerably common health problem in nursing students. This study found that daytime sleepiness is associated with individual characteristics, lifestyle and consumption habits, and sleep habits.