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Association between Free Sugars Intake and Excessive Daytime Sleepiness among Chinese Adolescents
Yue Xi1, Qian Lin1, Qiping Yang1
1Department of Nutrition Science and Food Hygiene, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, 110 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410078, China.
Nutrients
|November 27, 2021
Summary
Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) affects 22.5% of Chinese adolescents, with higher prevalence in girls. High free sugar intake is linked to increased odds of EDS, suggesting dietary interventions may help manage drowsiness.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Sleep Medicine
- Adolescent Health
Background:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is a prevalent issue among adolescents, impacting their daily functioning and well-being.
- Dietary habits, particularly free sugar consumption, are increasingly recognized as potential modifiable factors influencing sleep patterns and daytime alertness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in Chinese middle school students.
- To investigate the association between the intake of free sugars and the occurrence of EDS in this population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 1517 adolescents (aged 12-14) in Changsha, China.
- Data collection via online questionnaires including the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) for EDS assessment and a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) for dietary intake.
- Anthropometric measurements and statistical analyses using Chi-square tests and binary logistic regression.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of EDS (ESS score ≥ 10) was 22.5%, with girls exhibiting a higher prevalence than boys (26.1% vs. 19.4%).
- Average free sugar intake was 53.1 ± 44.7 g/d.
- Exceeded free sugar intake was significantly associated with an increased risk of EDS (Adjusted OR: 1.366, 95% CI: 1.060–1.761).
Conclusions:
- Both EDS and excessive free sugar consumption are common among Chinese adolescents.
- A positive association exists between high free sugar intake and EDS in adolescents.
- Further research is warranted to explore the efficacy of free sugar restriction in improving daytime sleepiness in adolescents with EDS.
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