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The interplay between sleep quality, hedonic hunger, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet among early adolescents
This study by Yurtdaş Depboylu & Şimşek (2025) examined the connection between hedonic hunger, sleep quality, and early adolescents’ adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD). It also investigated whether the association between adherence to the MD and sleep quality is mediated by hedonic hunger. The study included 786 middle school students (51% boys) aged 10–14. Data were collected using a self-reported questionnaire. The “Food Power Scale,” the “Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI),” and the “Mediterranean Diet Quality Index (KIDMED)” were used to quantify hedonic hunger, sleep quality, and adherence to the MD, respectively. A 24-hour food consumption diary was used to record nutritional intake, and anthropometric measures were made. Among the participants, 63.4% had poor sleep quality, 59.2% showed moderate adherence to the MD, and 31.7% were classified as short sleepers. Teenagers with strong hedonic hunger ate less fruit and protein but more carbs. Those with poor sleep quality and short sleep duration consumed fewer daily servings of fruit, fruit juice, dairy products at breakfast, yogurt, and cheese, while consuming more sweets and candy. PSQI was a significant predictor of both hedonic hunger and KIDMED. Hedonic hunger was also a significant predictor of KIDMED. Additionally, short sleepers had a higher likelihood of being overweight or obese. This study shows that decreased adherence to the MD in early adolescence is associated with short sleep duration, strong hedonic hunger, and poor sleep quality. Furthermore, hedonic hunger mediates the relationship between sleep quality and MD adherence. The authors conclude that teens who don’t get enough sleep are at a higher risk of developing obesity. [NPID: Sleep quality, hedonic hunger, Mediterranean diet, adolescent health, dietary habits, obesity risk, short sleep duration, nutrition, eating behavior]
Year: 2025
