Sleep Disorders and Obesity in Children and Adolescents: Interactions with Physical Activity and Diet
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12775/QS.2026.74.74989Keywords
Keywords: sleep disorders, childhood obesity, physical activity, diet, circadian rhythm, metabolic healthAbstract
Background. Childhood obesity is common and associated with a wide range of health risks. Growing evidence suggests that insufficient or poor-quality sleep in young people is linked to a higher likelihood of excess weight, in part through increased energy intake and lower levels of physical activity.
Aim of study and materials. Aim of this article is to overview studies published on PubMed in the last 5 years (2020–2025).
We analyze the interactions between sleep disorders and obesity in children and adolescents, with particular emphasis on the role of physical activity and diet as key factors influencing the proper development of young people.
Results. Evidence consistently shows that short and poor-quality sleep are associated with higher adiposity, adverse metabolic profiles and unhealthier eating patterns. Behavioural clusters combining insufficient sleep, low physical activity and poor diet confer the greatest obesity risk, while multidimensional lifestyle interventions can modestly improve both sleep and weight outcomes.
Conclusions. Childhood obesity and sleep disturbances are closely interrelated and should be addressed together. Sleep ought to be recognised as a third pillar of lifestyle management, alongside physical activity and diet, in prevention and treatment strategies. Integrated, family- and school-based programmes that combine sleep hygiene, promotion of daily movement and improvement of diet quality. appear most promising.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Monika Pachcińska, Adrianna Kępa, Oliwia Janczak, Wiktoria Biederek, Bartosz Litwin, Adrianna Kozak, Alicja Lubińska, Hana Dadoush, Julian Juncewicz, Karolina Ciążkowska, Michalina Nowakowska
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