Association between sleep patterns and food choices among adolescents (47.7)

• Inadequate  sleep  has been  associated  with poor  food   choices  which may increase one’s risk for obesity. This study investigated the relationship between  sleeping   patterns  ( sleep  duration and bedtime) and  food  group  choices  in  adolescents . This cross-sectional study consisted of 581  adolescents  (53% female) ages 11-19 years from 10 schools in Southern California and Michigan. Participants completed a self-administered web-based survey containing a semi-quantitative  food  frequency questionnaire, and items on demographics and lifestyle behaviors including physical activity and  sleeping  habits. Anthropometric measurements were obtained at clinic visits held at school sites. Data was analyzed using descriptives, t-tests, χ 2 , ANOVA and ANCOVA with adjustment for confounders. Male subjects with shorter  sleep  duration (<8 hrs) consumed less fruits (p=0.0001) and more fat (p=0.0019). Females who  sleep  8-9 hrs per night consumed less added sugar (p=0.01) when compared to those who  sleep  >9 hours or <8 hours. Bedtime was not significantly  associated  with  food  intake  among  females. Male subjects who went to bed before 9 pm had a greater intake of fruits (p=0.0012) and a lower intake of starchy vegetables, snacks and added fat (p<0.01). Shorter  sleep  duration and later bedtimes influence  food   choices , which may have implications for  adolescent  future weight status.