The Relationship Between Anthropometric Indices of Obesity and Sleep Disturbances in Young Adults

Sleep is vital for maintaining overall health and influencing various physiological and psychological processes. Disruptions in sleep quality are linked to adverse health outcomes, including obesity and cardiovascular disease, particularly among young adults who are often exposed to stress and lifestyle changes. This study investigates the relationship between anthropometric indices of obesity measured through body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and waist circumference (WC) and sleep disturbances in young adults.

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 243 participants aged 18-30 years. Anthropometric measurements (BMI, WHR, and WC) were obtained, and sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Correlation and regression analyses were performed to evaluate the relationships between anthropometric indices and PSQI scores.

Higher BMI, WHR, and WC were significantly associated with poorer sleep quality, as indicated by positive correlations with PSQI scores (BMI: r = 0.28, p = 0.004; WHR: r = 0.23, p = 0.013; WC: r = 0.30, p = 0.001). Regression analysis confirmed that increases in these indices predicted worse PSQI scores, with β-values of 0.31 for BMI (p = 0.0007), 2.05 for WHR (p = 0.0003), and 0.11 for WC (p < 0.0001).

The study underscores a significant association between increased body and abdominal fat with poor sleep quality. The findings suggest that managing body weight and reducing abdominal obesity could improve sleep health. Future research should explore these relationships using longitudinal designs and objective sleep measures.