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Association between snacking habits and sleep problems in children aged 6 to 12: a cross-sectional study in Iran
This study examines the impact of snacking habits on sleep quality among children aged 6 to 12 in Iran. Utilizing a cross-sectional design, data were collected from 729 children, assessing sleep status using the Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) and snacking habits through a structured questionnaire that encompassed nine food items. Latent class regression analysis identified three snacking habit profiles—Healthy, Unhealthy, and Mixed Healthy and Unhealthy—and two sleep status profiles: Healthy Sleep and Disrupted Sleep. The findings indicate that children with unhealthy snacking habits exhibited significantly higher odds of experiencing sleep problems (OR = 2.23, p = 0.004), with those in the Mixed group also at an elevated risk (OR = 2.34, p = 0.004). Adjusted models confirmed these associations, revealing persistent odds (OR = 1.90, p = 0.030 for the Unhealthy group and OR = 1.93, p = 0.047 for the Mixed group). Notably, boys displayed a greater propensity towards unhealthy snacking habits (p = 0.002). The association between snacking habits and sleep problems was more pronounced in boys, with no significant relationship observed in girls. This highlights the need for targeted dietary interventions to improve pediatric sleep health. [NPID: snacking, habits, sleep, nutrition]
Year: 2025
