Higher intake of Sugar sweetened beverages linked to shorter sleep duration in both children and adults

The study results were published in the journal Sleep Health. 

Previous research examining the connection between sleep duration and the consumption of sugar or sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) has yielded inconsistent results. Hence, researchers conducted a study to consolidate existing studies that investigate the link between abbreviated sleep duration and the intake of sugar and SSBs.

Conducting an exhaustive search across reputable databases such as PubMed, ISI Web of Sciences, Scopus, Science Direct, Embase, and Google Scholar, researchers synthesized observational studies that examined sleep duration as the exposure and sugar/SSBs intake as the outcome. The methodological rigor of these studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, with the overall evidence evaluated through the GRADE approach. Pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals were then calculated using both random and fixed effects models.

Key Revelations:

• The systematic review encompassed 22 studies focused on children and 12 on adults. From these, the meta-analysis incorporated data from 10 studies involving children and 3 in the adult population, which provided odds ratios for deeper insights.
• All studies involving children, adopting a cross-sectional design, consistently demonstrated a negative association between sleep duration and sugar intake. Notably, children with short sleep durations exhibited a 16% higher likelihood of consuming sugar, a 21% increased likelihood of soda intake, and a staggering 92% higher odds of consuming energy drinks.
• For adults, a short sleep duration was linked to a 20% higher likelihood of soda consumption and a substantial 58% increased intake of energy drinks. However, these findings were based on a limited number of investigations, highlighting the need for additional research in this area.
• Across all populations studied, individuals with sufficient sleep consistently demonstrated lower SSB intake, emphasizing a robust connection between insufficient sleep and heightened SSBs consumption in both children and adults.

The findings from this meta-analysis underscore a significant correlation between shorter sleep duration and increased SSBs intake in individuals across different age groups. While the link with higher total sugar intake was evident in children, the relationship was not as pronounced in adults. This research, serving as a foundational step, emphasizes the necessity for more precise measurements, gender-specific considerations, and prospective study designs to unravel the causality and underlying mechanisms.

As we unlock the mysteries of our dietary choices and sleep patterns, this meta-analysis provides valuable insights into the intricate dance between sleep duration and sugary habits. With potential implications for public health interventions, this research calls for further exploration and a deeper understanding of how our sleep may influence what we choose to consume, ultimately impacting our overall well-being.

Further reading: Shahdadian F, Boozari B, Saneei P. Association between short sleep duration and intake of sugar and sugar-sweetened beverages: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. Sleep Health. 2023;9(2):159-176. doi: 10.1016/j.sleh.2022.07.006