| The objective of the present study was to examine the relationships between sleep, obesity, health-related physical fitness, and eating behaviors in a multiethnic, college population. The sample consisted of CSU Fullerton students at least 18 years of age (n=347). Sleep and eating behavior data were collected via a 26-item questionnaire, which included the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Fitness data, including blood pressure (BP), body composition (% body fat, fat weight, lean weight), and VO2max, were collected via Jackson & Pollock methods and via an exercise test on a stationary cycle ergometer. Results showed that poorer quality sleepers (PSQI > 5) slept fewer hours per night (r=-0.314; p<0.05); missing a meal during the day was associated with sleep quality (chi2=11.48, p<0.05); and snacking after dinner was associated with trouble falling asleep (chi2=8.47, p<0.05). Multiple linear regression on all ethnicities showed that when controlling for age and fitness parameters, only average time slept per night remained a significant predictor of sleep quality (p<0.05). Results suggest that sleep is significantly associated with eating habits, a finding which has implications for fitness and nutrition education related to improving sleep. Future research may address social and environmental factors unique to individual ethnicities that may influence sleep quality. Promoting the importance of healthy weight and regular eating habits may improve sleep quality for the population at large. |
