Associations between Anthropometric and Sleep Parameters among Adolescents: Considerations by Gender
Paul D. Loprinzi, Laura C. Stigler, Kathy K. Hager
Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between anthropometric (e.g., body mass index, waist circumference) and sleep parameters (e.g., sleep latency, sleep duration, frequency of leg cramps and snoring while sleeping) in boy and girl adolescents. Methods: Data from the 2005-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were used with a sample of 339 NHANES adolescent participants between 16 and 17 years of age examined in the analysis. Anthropometric data was measured with sleep parameters self-reported. Results: In general, girls with higher levels of anthropometric indices slept for longer durations. For girls, those with higher levels of anthropometric indices were more likely to snore and have leg cramps. No associations were significant for boys. Conclusion: The results from this study suggest that, for girls, unfavorable levels of anthropometric indices may negatively influence quality of sleep.