Purpose
This study proposed to look at differences in the prevalence of sleep disorders in 10 to 16-year-old who were overweight or obese as compared to those with normal body mass index (BMI).
Methods
A cross-sectional study conducted at a tertiary care hospital in urban Tamil Nadu with subjects from south, east and northeast India between November 2018 and November 2020. Participants were scored using the sleep disturbance scale in children (SDSC) questionnaire. Information was elicited from the primary caregivers as well as study participants. Associations between BMI and sleep disorders were explored.
Results
Among 270 participants, there was a statistically significant difference in the overall prevalence of sleep disorders between normal, overweight and obese adolescents, with a higher estimated prevalence of sleep disorders among overweight (n = 52) and obese (n = 82) adolescents at 28.8% and 29.3%, respectively, as compared to adolescents with normal BMI (n = 136) at 15.4%. Certain disorders like Sleep-disordered breathing, Sleep–wake transition disorders, and Disorders of initiating and maintaining sleep were more common among obese adolescents. Adherence to good sleep hygiene practices was poor.
Conclusion
Sleep disorders are prevalent in Indian adolescents and are associated with increasing BMI. Assessment of sleep and BMI during routine paediatric consultations and interventions are essential to improve sleep.
