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The cross-sectional and prospective associations between sleep characteristics and adiposity in toddlers: Results
Zhiguang Zhang1, João R Pereira1,2, Eduarda Sousa-Sá1
1Early Start, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia.
Insights
Total sleep duration may protect toddlers from obesity, but longer naps are a risk factor. Further research is needed to understand sleep
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Sleep Science
- Obesity Research
Background:
- Associations between sleep characteristics and adiposity in young children are not well understood.
- Early childhood adiposity is a growing public health concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine cross-sectional and prospective associations between sleep characteristics and adiposity in toddlers.
- Investigate the 12-month impact of sleep on body composition in early childhood.
Main Methods:
- 202 toddlers participated in the GET-UP! study.
- Sleep characteristics (duration, timing, variability) assessed via 24-hour accelerometry.
- Adiposity measured by BMI z-scores; analyzed using linear mixed models.
Main Results:
- Total sleep duration showed a negative cross-sectional association with adiposity.
- Longer nap duration prospectively associated with increased adiposity.
- No significant associations found for sleep variability or timing with adiposity.
Conclusions:
- Total sleep duration may offer protection against adiposity in toddlers.
- Increased nap duration appears to be a risk factor for adiposity in this age group.
- Further research is essential to confirm these findings in young children.
Background:
The associations between sleep characteristics and adiposity in children under three years are not fully understood yet.
Objective:
The objective of the study is to examine the cross-sectional and prospective associations between sleep characteristics and adiposity in toddlers over a 12-month period.
Methods:
Participants were 202 toddlers from the GET-UP!
Study:
Sleep duration, sleep timing, and sleep variability were assessed using 24-hour accelerometry for seven consecutive days. Height and weight were measured, and BMI z scores were calculated. Linear mixed models were performed to examine the cross-sectional and prospective associations between sleep characteristics and adiposity, with adjustments for clustering effects and demographic factors.
Results:
Total sleep duration was negatively associated with higher adiposity cross-sectionally (B = -0.12; 95% CI: -0.23, -0.01; .033) but not prospectively (B = 0.01; 95% CI: -0.13, 0.10; .843). Nap duration was prospectively associated with higher levels of adiposity (B = 0.41; 95% CI: 0.14, 0.68; .003). Sleep variability and sleep timing were not associated with concurrent or subsequent adiposity.
Conclusion:
Although sleep duration is an important factor associated with obesity in toddlerhood, the potential effects of different types of sleep duration may vary. While longer total sleep duration may protect children from increasing adiposity, longer nap duration seems to be risk factor. As evidence in this age group is scarce, more research is needed to confirm this finding.
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