Obesity, diabetes, and exercise associated with sleep-related complaints in the American population

Michael A. Grandner, Nirav P. Patel, Michael L. Perlis, Philip R. Gehrman, Dawei Xie, Daohang Sha, Wilfred R. Pigeon, Karen Teff, Terri Weaver, Nalaka S. Gooneratne

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

37 Scopus citations

Abstract

Aim Previous studies have demonstrated relationships between sleep and both obesity and diabetes. Additionally, exercise may improve sleep and daytime function, in addition to weight and metabolic function. The present study extends these findings by examining how general sleep-related complaints are associated with body mass index (BMI), diabetes diagnosis, and exercise in a large, nationally representative sample. Subject and methods Participants were respondents to the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). Sleep complaint (SC) was measured with "Over the last 2 weeks, how many days have you had trouble falling asleep or staying asleep or sleeping too much?" Daytime complaint (DC) was measured with "Over the last 2 weeks, how many days have you felt tired or had little energy?" Responses were dichotomized, with ≥6 days indicating complaint. Covariates included age, race/ethnicity, income, and education. Results Being overweight was associated with DC in women only. Obesity was significantly associated with SC and DC in women, and DC in men. Diabetes was associated with SC and DC in both genders. Any exercise in the past 30 days did not attenuate any BMI or diabetes relationships, but was independently associated with a decrease in SC and DC in both men and women. Conclusion These results suggest that for both men and women diabetes is a significant predictor of sleep and daytime complaints, and there is a relationship between obesity and sleep and complaints for women to a greater extent than men. Finally, exercise was associated with much fewer sleep and daytime complaints in both genders.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)463-474
Number of pages12
JournalJournal of Public Health
Volume19
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2011
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Exercise
  • Obesity. Diabetes
  • Sleep
  • Sleep disturbance

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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