Processed Food Consumption and Sleep Quality in School-Aged Children: Insights from a Cross-Sectional Study.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the association between processed food consumption and sleep quality among school-aged children.

Methods

Our sample consisted of 137 children, with 52.6% being girls with a mean age of 7.9 ± 1.2 years. Moreover, 40.2% of children had overweight and 35.9% had experienced sleep problems. Dietary intake was evaluated using two non-consecutive 24 h recalls, and foods were categorized according to the NOVA classification system. The amount of sweet snacks consumed, in grams, was recorded for each meal and throughout the day. Sleep quality was assessed using the Portuguese Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ-PT).

Results

The study found a significant and positive association between the sleep habits score and

SUBMITTER: Sousa Gomes M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11767385 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature