Longitudinal associations between sleep duration and subsequent weight gain: A systematic review

a Doctoral Program in Population Health and Clinical Outcomes Research, Department of Preventive Medicine, HSC Level 3, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8338, USAb Department of Preventive Medicine, Graduate Program in Public Health, HSC Level 3, room 071, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8338, USAReceived 31 December 2010. Revised 19 May 2011. Accepted 23 May 2011. Available online 23 July 2011.View full text To systematically examine the relationship between sleep duration and subsequent weight gain in observational longitudinal human studies.

Systematic review of twenty longitudinal studies published from 2004–October 31, 2010.

While adult studies (n = 13) reported inconsistent results on the relationship between sleep duration and subsequent weight gain, studies with children (n = 7) more consistently reported a positive relationship between short sleep duration and weight gain.

While shorter sleep duration consistently predicts subsequent weight gain in children, the relationship is not clear in adults. We discuss possible limitations of the current studies: 1) the diminishing association between short sleep duration on weight gain over time after transition to short sleep, 2) lack of inclusion of appropriate confounding, mediating, and moderating variables (i.e., sleep complaints and sedentary behavior), and 3) measurement issues.

prs.rt("abs_end");Sleep; Obesity; Weight gain; Longitudinal studiesBMI, Body mass index; CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Figures and tables from this article:

Fig. 1. Illustration of literature search.

View Within ArticleFig. 2. Patel & Hu Model2 with media use added.

View Within ArticleTable 1. Adult studies.

View Within ArticleTable 2. Adult Study Independent Variables.

View Within ArticleTable 3. Children Studies.

View Within ArticleTable 4. Children Study Independent Variables.

View Within ArticleCopyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

prs.rt('data_end');

View the original article here