Is emotional eating selectively associated with sleep-related problems in adolescents? Results from the EHDLA study

During adolescence, sleep disturbances and emotionally driven eating patterns frequently coexist, potentially sharing underlying psychological mechanisms. However, their specific relationship in this population has not been fully clarified. This study explored the association between emotional eating and different sleep-related difficulties among Spanish adolescents. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted with 837 participants between 12 and 17 years old from the Eating Healthy and Daily Life Activities (EHDLA) study. Sleep-related difficulties were evaluated using the bedtime issues, excessive daytime sleepiness, night awakenings, regularity/duration of sleep, and snoring (BEARS) screening tool, while emotional eating was measured with the Emotional Eating Scale adapted for children and adolescents. Adjusted logistic regression models were used to evaluate the associations. Greater emotional eating was associated with higher likelihood of certain sleep-related disturbances, particularly those occurring at bedtime (odds ratio [OR] = 1.01; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00-1.02; p = 0.033) and snoring (OR = 1.02; 95% CI 1.00-1.03; p = 0.012). Among emotional dimensions, anger and anxiety showed the strongest associations with the presence of at least one sleep-related issue.

Emotional eating appears to be selectively linked to specific sleep disturbances in adolescents, with emotional regulation processes, especially those related to anger and anxiety, playing a potentially relevant role. These findings highlight the importance of considering both behavioral and emotional factors when addressing sleep health in this age group.

• Sleep-related problems are highly prevalent during adolescence and are associated with adverse physical and mental health outcomes. Emotional eating is also a common maladaptive behavior during this developmental period and has been linked to negative emotional states and unhealthy dietary patterns. • Previous research has suggested a potential relationship between sleep disturbances and unhealthy eating behaviors, although evidence in adolescents remains limited and has focused mainly on overall dietary habits rather than emotional eating.

• Emotional eating was selectively associated with specific sleep-related problems, particularly bedtime difficulties and snoring, in a large sample of Spanish adolescents, with anger and anxiety showing the strongest associations. • These findings suggest that emotional regulation may represent an important mechanism linking eating behaviors and sleep disturbances during adolescence, supporting the development of integrated behavioral interventions in this population.