Poor sleep quality in children ‘can affect risk of obesity’

Poor sleep quality in children can increase the risk of unhealthy weight gain and potentially cancer, according to a new study.

The Virginia Commonwealth University research enrolled 120 children, who wore accelerometers continuously for at least five days to track sleeping habits, while eating patterns were also evaluated.

Shorter sleep duration was associated with higher body mass index scores, as were fragmented rest-activity rhythms. Earlier onset of the most active period during daytime was also associated with a greater likelihood of overeating.

These findings align with prior studies showing how sleep patterns play a role in obesity in adults, and represent an important finding given the well-established link between obesity and cancer.

Study leader Dr Bernard Fuemmeler, professor and associate director for cancer prevention and control at Virginia Commonwealth University's Massey Cancer Center, said: "Because of the strong links between obesity and many types of cancer, childhood obesity prevention is cancer prevention, in my view."

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