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Association between insufficient sleep and constipation among elementary school children in Japan

Ritsuko Furuya1, Hiroo Wada1, Keisuke Onuki1

  • 1Department of Public Health, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8421 Japan.

Sleep and Biological Rhythms
|September 24, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Sleep problems like insufficient or unrefreshing sleep are linked to a higher risk of constipation in elementary school children. This suggests a connection between sleep quality and digestive health in young individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Sleep Medicine
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Sleep disorders and constipation are common in elementary school children.
  • These conditions can co-occur in adults, suggesting a potential link in children.
  • Understanding this association is crucial for pediatric health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between sleep patterns and constipation in community-based elementary school children.
  • To determine if insufficient or unrefreshing sleep is associated with a higher prevalence of constipation.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 629 first and second-grade students from seven Japanese elementary schools.
  • Data collected via questionnaires assessing sleep quality and constipation symptoms.
  • Statistical analysis using multivariable-adjusted odds ratios to evaluate associations.

Main Results:

  • Children reporting insufficient sleep had significantly higher odds of constipation (OR 2.82).
  • Children reporting unrefreshing sleep also showed a significant association with constipation (OR 2.19).
  • Both insufficient and unrefreshing sleep were independently linked to constipation.

Conclusions:

  • Constipation is significantly associated with both insufficient and unrefreshing sleep in elementary school children.
  • The findings highlight the importance of addressing sleep issues in pediatric constipation management.
  • Further research into the gut microbiome and potential interventions like symbiotics is warranted.

Keywords:
ChildrenConstipationJapanSleep

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