Exploring Dietary preferences among youth including anthropometric indicators associated with sleep inadequacy.

Clinical nutrition and Nutraceuticals

Background: Sleep inadequacy, characterized by insufficient or poor-quality sleep, is increasingly recognized as a significant public health concern, particularly among youth. Poor sleep can have detrimental effects on physical and mental health, including metabolic dysfunction and impaired cognitive function. Understanding the factors influencing sleep patterns and associated dietary preferences is essential for developing targeted interventions to promote healthy sleep habits among young individuals. Introduction: The relationship between sleep and dietary preferences has garnered attention in recent years, with growing evidence suggesting bidirectional influences between sleep quality and dietary habits. However, there is a need for further research to elucidate the complex interplay between these factors, particularly among youth populations. This study aims to explore dietary preferences in youth with sleep inadequacy and examine anthropometric indicators associated with poor sleep quality. Objectives: - Investigate dietary preferences among youth with sleep inadequacy. - Explore the correlation between sleep restriction and dietary choices. - Identify primary reasons for sleep restriction. - Examine late-night eating habits in relation to shorter sleep duration. Methodology: An observational study was conducted at D.Y. Patil Hospital and D.Y. Patil University, Nerul, Navi Mumbai, over a duration of six months. A sample size of 102 participants meeting the inclusion criteria was recruited through purposive sampling. Data collection involved administering questionnaires on diet and lifestyle, as well as conducting anthropometric measurements. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS tool to analyze the data. Results and Outcomes: Key findings from the study reveal associations between late-night activities, meal timing, and sleep patterns, highlighting the influence of behavioral factors on sleep quality. Additionally, significant relationships were observed between coffee intake and poor sleep quality, emphasizing the impact of caffeinated beverages on sleep health among youth. While no significant associations were found between psychological factors and sleep time, the study acknowledges the importance of considering mental health in understanding sleep inadequacy. Anthropometric indicators did not show significant associations with sleep time, suggesting a need for further research in this area. Conclusion: This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between dietary preferences, sleep patterns, and anthropometric indicators in youth populations. The findings underscore the importance of addressing behavioral factors and considering mental health in promoting healthy sleep habits among young individuals. Further research is warranted to explore longitudinal associations and develop targeted interventions for improving sleep outcomes in this demographic.

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