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The obesity epidemic and disordered sleep during childhood and adolescence

David Gozal1, Leila Kheirandish-Gozal

  • 1Section of Pediatric Sleep Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, 5721 S. Maryland Avenue, MC 8000, Suite K-160, Chicago, IL 60637, USA. dgozal@uchicago.edu

Adolescent Medicine: State of the Art Reviews
|February 10, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Childhood obesity is rising globally, potentially impacting health and longevity. This chapter explores the links between sleep and obesity, including obstructive sleep apnea, and their combined health effects.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health
  • Sleep Medicine

Background:

  • The global prevalence of childhood obesity is increasing at an alarming rate.
  • The long-term health implications of this trend are significant, potentially affecting life expectancy.
  • Emerging research suggests a connection between sleep patterns and obesity in children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To critically evaluate the evidence linking sleep and childhood obesity.
  • To review the bidirectional relationship between obesity and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
  • To examine how obesity and OSA exacerbate each other's pathophysiology and associated morbidities.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing studies on sleep and obesity.
  • Analysis of research on the interplay between obesity and obstructive sleep apnea.
  • Examination of the amplification of comorbidities in affected children.

Main Results:

  • Evidence supporting a link between sleep disturbances and childhood obesity is growing.
  • Obesity is a significant risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea.
  • Obstructive sleep apnea can worsen metabolic dysfunction and contribute to obesity.

Conclusions:

  • The relationship between sleep, obesity, and obstructive sleep apnea is complex and bidirectional.
  • Addressing sleep issues may be crucial in managing childhood obesity.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate these interrelationships and develop effective interventions.

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