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Sleep and eating disorders: current research and future directions
Abigail R Cooper1, Katharine L Loeb1, Eleanor L McGlinchey2
1School of Psychology, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck, NJ, United States.
Current Opinion in Psychology
|December 17, 2019
Summary
Adolescents with eating disorders (EDs) often experience sleep disturbances. More research using objective sleep measures is needed to understand this link and guide treatments for better outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Sleep science
- Adolescent medicine
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Limited research exists on sleep disturbances in adolescents with eating disorders (EDs).
- Most individuals with EDs report sleep problems, but objective data is scarce.
- Existing literature shows inconsistencies, highlighting the need for rigorous investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current research on the association between sleep and EDs in adolescents.
- To identify gaps in the literature, particularly concerning objective sleep measures.
- To propose future research directions for understanding and treating sleep-ED connections.
Main Methods:
- Overview of existing literature on sleep and EDs in adolescents.
- Emphasis on the need for studies employing both objective and subjective sleep assessments.
- Call for research stratified by specific ED diagnoses and treatment contexts.
Main Results:
- A significant majority of adolescents with EDs experience disturbed sleep.
- Objective sleep assessments in this population are underutilized in current research.
- Further investigation is required to clarify the complex sleep-ED relationship.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the sleep-ED link in adolescents is crucial for effective intervention.
- Future research should prioritize objective sleep measures and consider diagnostic and treatment specifics.
- Developing targeted prevention and treatment strategies requires a comprehensive approach to adolescent sleep and EDs.
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