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Arregi A, Vegas O, Lertxundi A, García-Baquero G, Ibarluzea J, Andiarena A, Babarro I, Subiza-Pérez M, Lertxundi N. Hair cortisol determinants in 11-year-old children: Environmental, social and individual factors. Horm Behav 2024; 164:105575. [PMID: 38851169 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2024.105575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Children's exposure to chronic stress is associated with several health problems. Measuring hair cortisol concentration is particularly useful for studying chronic stress but much is unknown about hair cortisol determinants in children and adolescents, and previous research has often not considered the simultaneous exposure of multiple variables. This research is focused on investigating the relationship between environmental, social and individual factors with hair cortisol concentration in children. METHODS The data used in this study are from the INMA prospective epidemiological cohort study. The assessment of chronic stress was made on the basis of hair samples taken at the age of 11 years in the INMA-Gipuzkoa cohort (n = 346). A metamodel summarizing the hypothesized relationships among environmental, social and individual factors and hair cortisol concentration was constructed based on previous literature. Structural Equation Modelling was performed to examine the relationships among the variables. RESULTS In the general model higher behavioural problems were associated with higher cortisol levels and an inverse relationship between environmental noise and cortisol levels was observed, explaining 5 % of the variance in HCC. Once stratified by sex these associations were only hold in boys, while no significant effect of any of the study variables was related with cortisol levels in girls. Importantly, maternal stress was positively related to behavioural difficulties in children. Finally, higher traffic-related air pollution and lower exposure to neighborhood greenness were related to higher environmental noise. DISCUSSION This study highlights that simultaneous exposure to different environmental, social and individual characteristics may determine the concentration of hair cortisol. More research is needed and future studies should include this complex view to better understanding of hair cortisol determinants in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ane Arregi
- Faculty of Psychology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 20008 San Sebastian, Spain; Environmental Epidemiology and Child Development Group, Biogipuzkoa Health Research Institute, Paseo Doctor Begiristain s/n, 20014 San Sebastian, Spain.
| | - Oscar Vegas
- Faculty of Psychology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 20008 San Sebastian, Spain; Environmental Epidemiology and Child Development Group, Biogipuzkoa Health Research Institute, Paseo Doctor Begiristain s/n, 20014 San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Aitana Lertxundi
- Environmental Epidemiology and Child Development Group, Biogipuzkoa Health Research Institute, Paseo Doctor Begiristain s/n, 20014 San Sebastian, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, C/Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Gonzalo García-Baquero
- Environmental Epidemiology and Child Development Group, Biogipuzkoa Health Research Institute, Paseo Doctor Begiristain s/n, 20014 San Sebastian, Spain; Faculty of Biology, University of Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Avda Licenciado Méndez Nieto s/n, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Jesus Ibarluzea
- Faculty of Psychology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 20008 San Sebastian, Spain; Environmental Epidemiology and Child Development Group, Biogipuzkoa Health Research Institute, Paseo Doctor Begiristain s/n, 20014 San Sebastian, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, C/Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Ministry of Health of the Basque Government, Sub-Directorate for Public Health and Addictions of Gipuzkoa, 20013 San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Ainara Andiarena
- Faculty of Psychology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 20008 San Sebastian, Spain; Environmental Epidemiology and Child Development Group, Biogipuzkoa Health Research Institute, Paseo Doctor Begiristain s/n, 20014 San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Izaro Babarro
- Environmental Epidemiology and Child Development Group, Biogipuzkoa Health Research Institute, Paseo Doctor Begiristain s/n, 20014 San Sebastian, Spain; Faculty of Medicine and Nursing of the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 20014 Donostia/San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Mikel Subiza-Pérez
- Faculty of Psychology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 20008 San Sebastian, Spain; Environmental Epidemiology and Child Development Group, Biogipuzkoa Health Research Institute, Paseo Doctor Begiristain s/n, 20014 San Sebastian, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, C/Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford BD9 6RJ, UK
| | - Nerea Lertxundi
- Faculty of Psychology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 20008 San Sebastian, Spain; Environmental Epidemiology and Child Development Group, Biogipuzkoa Health Research Institute, Paseo Doctor Begiristain s/n, 20014 San Sebastian, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, C/Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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Bates RA, Dynia JM. Psychological and Physiological Stress and Stressors in Early Childhood Educators: An Observational Pilot Study. PSYCHOLOGY IN THE SCHOOLS 2024; 61:1413-1439. [PMID: 38933217 PMCID: PMC11198965 DOI: 10.1002/pits.23118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
While early childhood educators' mental health is important, it may also affect the well-being and education of their students. Yet, little research has described the stress and stressors of early childhood educators (ECEs), particularly as the pandemic wanes. This pilot study aimed to (1) describe ECEs' psychological and physiological stress and (2) examine the association between ECEs' psychological and physiological stress levels with stressors. A convenience sample of 67 ECEs, serving children 0-5 years old from 13 early educational centers completed surveys on psychological stress (perceived stress, anxiety, and depression), stressors (economic hardship, food insecurity, adverse childhood experiences), and demographics in Fall 2021. A subsample of ECEs provided hair samples, analyzed for cortisol, to estimate physiologic stress. Regarding stress, 63% met the criteria for major depressive disorder and 41% for generalized anxiety disorder. Only 26% were taking medications to manage mental health. About 25% experienced the stressors of food insecurity and economic hardship; 80% experienced at least one adverse childhood experience. Only education level significantly predicted perceived stress and depression - above and beyond stressors, household income, race, and age. The results have policy and practice implications for implementing evidence-based solutions to buffer stress and stressors in early childhood educators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randi A. Bates
- University of Cincinnati College of Nursing, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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Angelhoff C, Faresjö T, Sundell AL. Measuring hair cortisol concentration, insomnia symptoms and quality of life in preschool children with severe early childhood caries - a case-control pilot study. Acta Odontol Scand 2023; 81:508-516. [PMID: 37119174 DOI: 10.1080/00016357.2023.2203228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to 1) investigate the relationships between hair cortisol concentration (HCC), insomnia symptoms, Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) in preschool children with severe early childhood caries, 2) compare HCC, insomnia symptoms, HRQoL and OHRQoL in preschool children with severe early childhood caries with these factors in children without clinical signs of dental caries, and 3) explore correlations between caries scores and HCC, insomnia symptoms, HRQoL and OHRQoL. MATERIAL AND METHODS A case-control pilot study, including 12 children with severe early childhood caries and 28 controls, aged 3-5 years. Dental examination was performed and hair samples for cortisol were taken. Parents filled out questionnaires about their child's insomnia symptoms, HRQoL and OHRQoL. Interpreters were used in families with language difficulties. RESULTS The key findings in this pilot study were tendencies that children with severe early childhood caries had more insomnia symptoms, and poorer OHRQoL than the controls. Caries scores was correlated with insomnia symptoms and OHRQoL. CONCLUSIONS Dentists should include questions about the child's sleep when they see the child, as insomnia related to dental caries may lead to several physical, mental, and social problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Angelhoff
- Crown Princess Victoria's Child and Youth Hospital, and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Tomas Faresjö
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Community Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Anna Lena Sundell
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Institute for Postgraduate Dental Education, Jönköping, Sweden
- Centre of Oral Health, School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden
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Leão OADA, Flores TR, Mielke GI, Crochemore-Silva I, Bertoldi AD, Domingues MR, Murray J, Martins RC, Tovo-Rodrigues L, de Oliveira IO, Hallal PC. Physical Activity and Chronic Stress in Early Life: Findings From the 2015 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort. J Phys Act Health 2023; 20:878-885. [PMID: 37567575 DOI: 10.1123/jpah.2022-0607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The association of physical activity through early childhood on children's chronic stress still is unclear. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to test the association of physical activity through early childhood (1-4 y) with chronic stress, measured by hair cortisol at age 4. METHODS Longitudinal study including children from the 2015 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort. Cortisol at age 4 was measured using a hair sample, which provided cortisol concentration from the past months. Physical activity was measured using accelerometers at 1, 2, and 4 years. Linear regression models were used to assess the association between physical activity and chronic stress. Trajectory models were also applied to examine chronic stress in relation to physical activity patterns throughout early childhood. RESULTS Children with valid physical activity and hair cortisol data were included in the analyses (N = 1475). Three groups of physical activity trajectories between 1 and 4 years were identified: low, medium, and high. No association between physical activity at 1, 2, and 4 years and chronic stress at age 4 was observed. However, children in the "high" physical activity trajectory presented low cortisol concentration; the magnitude of the regression coefficient was slightly larger in girls (β = -0.125; 95% confidence interval, -0.326 to 0.074) than boys (β = -0.051; 95% confidence interval, -0.196 to 0.09). CONCLUSION There was no clear association between physical activity and chronic stress in early childhood. Trajectories models suggest that higher activity throughout early childhood may positively impact chronic stress; however, more studies are needed to confirm that hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thaynã Ramos Flores
- Postgraduate Program in Epidemiology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas,Brazil
| | - Gregore Iven Mielke
- Centre for Research on Exercise, Physical Activity and Health, School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD,Australia
| | | | | | | | - Joseph Murray
- Postgraduate Program in Epidemiology and Human Development and Violence Research Centre (DOVE), Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas,Brazil
| | - Rafaela Costa Martins
- Postgraduate Program in Epidemiology and Human Development and Violence Research Centre (DOVE), Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas,Brazil
| | - Luciana Tovo-Rodrigues
- Postgraduate Program in Epidemiology and Human Development and Violence Research Centre (DOVE), Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas,Brazil
| | - Isabel O de Oliveira
- Postgraduate Program in Epidemiology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas,Brazil
| | - Pedro Curi Hallal
- Postgraduate Program in Epidemiology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas,Brazil
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois, Urbana/Champaign, IL,USA
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de Souza AA, Bandeira PFR, Vale SMCG, da Cunha GL, Mota JAPS, de Lucena Martins CM. Paths towards a healthier BMI among short and adequate sleepers: A pathway network analysis considering movement behaviors in low-income preschoolers. Am J Hum Biol 2023; 35:e23915. [PMID: 37269167 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.23915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Short sleep duration has been seen as a predictor of higher body mass index (BMI) in youth. Sleep duration varies substantially along early childhood, and the paths towards a healthier BMI, considering the other movement behaviors (physical activity-PA and screen time) are unexplored in preschoolers. AIM To construct a sleep-BMI model to capture the direct and indirect paths to intervening towards a healthier BMI, according to low-income preschoolers' compliance with the other movement behaviors. METHODS Two hundred and seventy two preschoolers (4.5 ± 0.0; 138 boys) participated in the study. Sleep and screen time (ST) were assessed in a face-to-face interview with primary caregivers. PA was assessed using accelerometer (wGT3X-BT). Preschoolers were categorized as compliant or not with sleep, screen time, total and moderate to vigorous PA recommendations. BMIz-score was calculated according to preschoolers' sex and age. All the assessed variables, besides sex and age were included in a Network Pathway Analysis (NPA) according to age as nodes. RESULTS At 3 years old, a direct and negative path between sleep-BMIz score was observed. At four and 5 years old, this relationship became positive. Further, girls were more compliant with sleep, ST and total PA recommendations. Total PA (TPA) showed the highest expected influence value in the general, 3 and 4 years old NPA. CONCLUSION The NPA analysis showed different directions for the relationship between sleep and BMIz score, according to age. Intervention strategies to a healthier BMI among preschoolers compliant or not with sleep recommendations should focus in increasing TPA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Glacithane Lins da Cunha
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Educação Física, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco, Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Jorge Augusto Pinto Silva Mota
- Research Centre of Physical Activity, Health and Leisure, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Clarice Maria de Lucena Martins
- Research Centre of Physical Activity, Health and Leisure, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Departamento de Educação Física, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa, Paraiba, Brazil
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Mazgelytė E, Valatkevičiūtė A, Songailienė J, Utkus A, Burokienė N, Karčiauskaitė D. Association of hair glucocorticoid levels with sleep quality indicators: a pilot study in apparently healthy perimenopausal and menopausal women. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1186014. [PMID: 37529598 PMCID: PMC10390219 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1186014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Poor sleep quality is associated with different physical and mental health diseases. It is proposed that increased hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity is a potential contributor affecting sleep pattern and quality. We aimed to analyze the relationship between subjective sleep quality indicators and hair glucocorticoid levels among relatively healthy perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. Methods A total of 145 women aged 50-64 y.o. were enrolled in the cross-sectional pilot study. Sleep quality was evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, while stress level was measured using the Perceived Stress Scale. Hair cortisol and cortisone levels were determined by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Results Statistically significant positive relationship was found between hair cortisol concentration and Pittsburgh sleep quality index score. Similarly, statistically significant positive associations were observed between hair total glucocorticoid level and Pittsburgh sleep quality index, sleep disturbance, and Perceived Stress Scale scores. Subjects with prolonged sleep latency had significantly higher hair cortisol and total hair glucocorticoid concentrations compared with individuals whose sleep latency is not disturbed. Additionally, Chi-squared test indicated that lower hair cortisol concentration was significantly related to better sleep efficiency. Conclusion Increased hair glucocorticoid (cortisol, cortisone) levels were found to be related with worse sleep quality measured by Pittsburgh sleep quality index score.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eglė Mazgelytė
- Department of Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Agnė Valatkevičiūtė
- Department of Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Jurgita Songailienė
- Department of Human and Medical Genetics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Algirdas Utkus
- Department of Human and Medical Genetics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Neringa Burokienė
- Clinics of Internal Diseases and Family Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Dovilė Karčiauskaitė
- Department of Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
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Sleep quality, valence, energetic arousal, and calmness as predictors of device-based measured physical activity during a three-week mHealth intervention. GERMAN JOURNAL OF EXERCISE AND SPORT RESEARCH 2022. [PMCID: PMC9008661 DOI: 10.1007/s12662-022-00809-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Physical inactivity is known to be a risk factor for several noncommunicable diseases and has a high prevalence in today’s society. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the psychological factors associated with physical activity (PA). Recent developments in the field of ambulatory assessment and technological advances are promising to enhance our understanding of this relationship by analyzing longitudinal data within- and between-persons. These analyses can reveal important factors to design behavior change interventions to enhance PA. Therefore, this study used an ecological momentary assessment during the 3‑week intervention period in the SMARTFAMILY2.0 trial and aimed to investigate whether valence, calmness, energetic arousal, and sleep quality predict daily steps and moderate to vigorous PA. Overall, 49 adults (35–60 years) and 40 children (5–19 years) were included in this analysis and self-rated their mental state within our smartphone application while also wearing a hip-worn accelerometer for 21 consecutive days (996 days included) during the intervention period. Multilevel analyses were conducted to predict daily PA while considering covariables (e.g., child/adult and non-wear time) both within- and between-persons. The results indicated that higher than average ratings of a person’s valence and energetic arousal on one day predicted increased PA while higher than average calmness predicted decreased PA at the same day within this person. Sleep quality and between-person effects of the affective states showed no clear associations to PA. Overall, these results showed that within-person associations of valence, calmness, and energetic arousal should be considered when designing PA interventions for both children and adults. The influence of sleep quality, as well as between-person effects, should be further explored by future studies.
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Elkhatib Smidt SD, Hitt T, Zemel BS, Mitchell JA. Sex differences in childhood sleep and health implications. Ann Hum Biol 2022; 48:474-484. [PMID: 35105205 DOI: 10.1080/03014460.2021.1998624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Sleep is critical for optimal childhood metabolic health and neurodevelopment. However, there is limited knowledge regarding childhood sex differences in sleep, including children with neurodevelopmental disorders, and the impact of such differences on metabolic health. OBJECTIVE To evaluate if sex differences in childhood sleep exist and if sleep associates with metabolic health outcomes equally by sex. Using autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as a case study, we also examine sleep sex differences in children with a neurodevelopmental disorder. METHODS A narrative review explored the literature focussing on sex differences in childhood sleep. RESULTS Sex differences in sleep were not detected among pre-adolescents. However, female adolescents were more likely to report impaired sleep than males. Childhood obesity is more common in males. Shorter sleep duration may be associated with obesity in male pre-adolescents/adolescents; although findings are mixed. ASD is male-predominant; yet, there was an indication that pre-adolescent female children with ASD had more impaired sleep. CONCLUSION Sex differences in sleep appear to emerge in adolescence with more impaired sleep in females. This trend was also observed among pre-adolescent female children with ASD. Further research is needed on sex differences in childhood sleep and metabolic health and the underlying mechanisms driving these differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacey D Elkhatib Smidt
- Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Sleep Center, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Division of Sleep Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Talia Hitt
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Babette S Zemel
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jonathan A Mitchell
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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St Laurent CW, Rodheim K, Spencer RMC. A Systematic Review of the Relationships Between Physical Activity and Sleep in Early Childhood. KINESIOLOGY REVIEW (CHAMPAIGN, ILL.) 2021; 11:121-137. [PMID: 35873529 PMCID: PMC9302480 DOI: 10.1123/kr.2020-0066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this systematic review was to examine the associations between physical activity and sleep in children aged less than 6 years. Articles were included if participants were primarily aged less than 6 years and study designs were observational or experimental. Study characteristics were extracted, and the Grading Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation framework was used to assess study quality. Thirty-six studies (16 sleep, 16 physical activity, and three fitness outcomes) from 18 countries reported in 29 articles were included. The majority of sleep and physical activity outcome studies reported mixed effects with very low to low quality of evidence. Fitness outcome studies were limited, and therefore, evidence was insufficient. The high prevalence of mixed and null results could be related to study limitations. Importantly, this review points to the critical need for higher quality studies of sleep and physical activity in young children, which would support health recommendations and intervention strategies for healthier child development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine W St Laurent
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Katrina Rodheim
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Rebecca M C Spencer
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
- Institute of Applied Life Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
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Runze J, Euser S, Oosterman M, Dolan CV, Koopman-Verhoeff ME, Bakermans-Kranenburg MJ. Actigraphic sleep and cortisol in middle childhood: A multivariate behavioral genetics model. COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY 2021; 8:100094. [PMID: 35757668 PMCID: PMC9216557 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpnec.2021.100094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
To date, behavioral genetic studies investigated either sleep or cortisol levels in middle childhood, but not both simultaneously. Therefore, a pertinent question is the degree to which genetic factors and environmental factor contribute to the correlation between sleep and cortisol levels. To address this question, we employed the classical twin design. We measured sleep in 6-9-year-old twins (N = 436 twin pairs, “Together Unique” study) over four consecutive nights using actigraphy, and we measured morning cortisol on two consecutive days. Sleep duration, sleep efficiency, and wake episodes were used as indicators of sleep. Morning cortisol level was used as cortisol indicator. A structural equation model was fitted to estimate the contribution of additive genetic effects (A), shared (common) environmental effects, (C) and unique environmental effects (E) to phenotypic variances and covariances. Age, cohort, and sex were included as covariates. The heritability of sleep duration, sleep efficiency, and wake episodes were 52%, 45%, and 55%, respectively. Common environmental factors played no significant role. High genetic correlations between sleep duration and sleep efficiency and high genetic correlations between sleep efficiency and wake episodes were found. Shared environmental (29%) and unique environmental factors (53%) explained the variance in morning cortisol levels. Because the sleep and cortisol measures were found to be uncorrelated, we did not consider genetic and environmental contributions to the association between the sleep and cortisol measures. Our findings indicate that sleep duration, sleep efficiency, and wake episodes in children are mostly impacted by genetic factors and by unique environmental factors (including measurement error). Sleep duration, efficiency and wake episodes are moderately heritable. A high genetic correlation underlies sleep duration and sleep efficiency. A high genetic correlation underlies sleep efficiency and wake episodes. Cortisol and sleep were not (genetically) correlated.
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Ordway MR, Condon EM, Ibrahim BB, Abel EA, Funaro MC, Batten J, Sadler LS, Redeker NS. A systematic review of the association between sleep health and stress biomarkers in children. Sleep Med Rev 2021; 59:101494. [PMID: 34098244 DOI: 10.1016/j.smrv.2021.101494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Sleep is intimately linked with the stress response system. While the evidence for this connection has been systematically reviewed in the adult literature, to our knowledge no studies have examined this relationship in young children. Recent scientific interest in understanding the effects of adverse environments in early childhood, including an emphasis on understanding the role of sleep, highlights the importance of synthesizing the current evidence on the relationship between sleep and the stress response system in early childhood. The aim of this systematic review is to examine the relationship between sleep health and biomarkers of physiologic stress (neuroendocrine, immune, metabolic, cardiovascular) in healthy children ages 0-12 y. Following PRISMA guidelines, we identified 68 empirical articles and critically reviewed and synthesized the results across studies. The majority of studies included school-age children and reported sleep dimensions of duration or efficiency. Overall, evidence of associations between sleep health and stress biomarkers was strongest for neuroendocrine variables, and limited or inconsistent for studies of immune, cardiovascular, and metabolic outcomes. Gaps in the literature include prospective, longitudinal studies, inclusion of children under the age of 5 y, and studies using objective measures of sleep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica R Ordway
- Yale University School of Nursing, PO Box 27399, West Haven, CT, 06516-7300, USA; Yale School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Eileen M Condon
- Yale University School of Nursing, PO Box 27399, West Haven, CT, 06516-7300, USA
| | - Bridget B Ibrahim
- Yale University School of Nursing, PO Box 27399, West Haven, CT, 06516-7300, USA
| | - Emily A Abel
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Purdue University, 1202 West State Street, West Lafayette, IN, 47907-2055, USA
| | - Melissa C Funaro
- Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library, Yale University, 333 Cedar St., New Haven, CT, 06520-8014, USA
| | - Janene Batten
- Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library, Yale University, 333 Cedar St., New Haven, CT, 06520-8014, USA
| | - Lois S Sadler
- Yale University School of Nursing, PO Box 27399, West Haven, CT, 06516-7300, USA; Yale Child Study Center, 230 South Frontage Rd., New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Nancy S Redeker
- Yale University School of Nursing, PO Box 27399, West Haven, CT, 06516-7300, USA
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El Mlili N, Ahabrach H, Cauli O. Hair Cortisol Concentration as a Biomarker of Sleep Quality and Related Disorders. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11020081. [PMID: 33499247 PMCID: PMC7911396 DOI: 10.3390/life11020081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cortisol is the end product of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and its production is increased mainly in stressful situations or in chronic disorders accompanied by stress enhancement. Altered cortisol concentrations have been reported in a number of neuropsychiatric diseases and sleep disorders. Cortisol concentrations have been measured using several methods, and in several matrixes, such as blood, saliva, and urine. However, lately, hair cortisol, for several reasons, has emerged as a promising biomarker of long-term retrospective HPA activation. Several experimental approaches for cortisol measurement with the corresponding concentration reference ranges and a summary of findings from scientific literature on this field are presented. There is evidence of a close relationship between HPA functional alteration and the development of neuropsychiatric disorders. Sleep disorders are the most common manifestation in several neuropsychiatric conditions, and have also been associated to cortisol alterations in both adults and children. Many studies indicate that hair cortisol constitutes a valuable tool for further contributing to existing data on salivary, plasma, or urinary cortisol concentrations in patients with sleep disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisrin El Mlili
- Higher Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques (ISPITS), 93000 Tetouan, Morocco; (N.E.M.); (H.A.)
- Department of Biology and Health, Faculty of Sciences, University Abdelmalek Essâadi, 93000 Tetouan, Morocco
| | - Hanan Ahabrach
- Higher Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques (ISPITS), 93000 Tetouan, Morocco; (N.E.M.); (H.A.)
- Department of Biology and Health, Faculty of Sciences, University Abdelmalek Essâadi, 93000 Tetouan, Morocco
| | - Omar Cauli
- Department of Nursing, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Frailty and Cognitive Impairment Group (FROG), University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Chair of Healthy, Active and Participatory Aging, Valencia City Council, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Correspondence:
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Bates RA, Singletary B, Yacques A, Justice L. Sleep and stress in mother-toddler dyads living in low-income homes. Dev Psychobiol 2020; 63:1635-1643. [PMID: 33368168 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Optimal sleeping behaviors are critical for overall development, yet some evidence suggests stress and living in a low-income environment are associated with disruptions of sleeping behaviors early in life. In this study, we investigated the association of toddler sleeping behaviors, particularly difficulties initiating and/or maintaining sleep (DIMS), and maternal and toddler prolonged stress using hair cortisol from dyads living in low-income homes. Hair cortisol was mainly sampled at the posterior vertex of mothers and toddlers (age 20-24 months) and analyzed with immunoassay (n = 94). Toddler DIMS were assessed at 15-19 and 27-31 months of age through mother-rated reports using the Tayside Children's Sleep Questionnaire. We found no associations between toddler DIMS and maternal stress. Additionally, early DIMS did not predict toddler stress. However, while controlling for early DIMS and sociodemographic factors, we found that higher toddler stress predicted greater DIMS in later toddlerhood (b = -2.28, SE = 0.98, p = .02, ds = 0.64). These study findings highlight the importance of understanding the role of early life stress on later sleep patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randi A Bates
- Crane Center for Early Childhood Research and Policy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, USA.,University of Cincinnati College of Nursing, Cincinnati, USA
| | - Britt Singletary
- Crane Center for Early Childhood Research and Policy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, USA
| | - Alexandre Yacques
- Crane Center for Early Childhood Research and Policy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, USA
| | - Laura Justice
- Crane Center for Early Childhood Research and Policy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, USA
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