Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 1, 2026

Breakfast Habits among Schoolchildren in the City of Uruguaiana, Brazil
Published on: July 29, 2020
Sleep and obesity in children and adolescents
Chantelle N Hart1, Alyssa Cairns, Elissa Jelalian
1Department of Psychiatry & Human Behavior, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA. Chantelle_Hart@brown.edu
Abstract:
The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive update of epidemiologic studies that have assessed the association between sleep and obesity risk. Data suggest that short sleep is associated with an increased risk for being or becoming overweight/obese or having increased body fat. Late bedtimes are also a risk factor for overweight/obesity. Findings also suggest that changes in eating pathways may lead to increased body fat. Future experimental studies are needed to enhance our understanding of the underlying mechanisms through which sleep may play a role in the development and maintenance of childhood obesity.
Related Concept Videos
Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
Sleep Apnea
The condition is more prevalent among...
Obesity
Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
Sleep-Wake Cycles
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
Understanding Sleep
The circadian rhythm, a nearly 24-hour cycle, is deeply influenced by environmental light cues. Light exposure directly affects the hypothalamus, which in turn regulates...

