Sleep Quality Influences Food Choices in Teens

A new study conducted by Brigham and Women’s Hospital has shown a definitive association between the hours a teenager sleeps each night and the quality of their food choices in their waking hours.

Dr. Susan Redline, sleep medicine specialist, led the team; the researchers studied 240 teenagers between the ages of 16 and 19, all of whom lived at home.  The teens work wrist devises which measured the number of hours of sleep they got on three separate weeknights.

Only one third of the participants got the recommended 9 hours or more of sleep per night – the average number of hours was 7.5.  The researchers discovered that those who got less than 8 hours of sleep per night consumed 2.2% more calories from fat than those who slept 8 hours or more.  The percentage was higher among girls (3.3%) as opposed to boys (.9%).

Although most parents would contend that more sleep is advantageous to their teens, making sure they get the requisite number of hours is not easy.  However, there are some lifestyle changes that if implemented regularly, could enhance sleep quality:

Encourage them to wind down

Teenagers feel and experience events and relationships much more intensely than adults do; all of this adrenalin coursing through their systems can take its toll.  Suggest a period of time in which the television is turned off and soothing rituals can help prepare their minds and bodies for sleep.  Chamomile tea helps some to lax, as can needlework or reading.

Give them a Spud before Bed

Mandy S., a Texas accountant, swears that eating a potato before bed works wonders.  Referring to the book Potatoes not Prozac, she says that doing so will help increase serotonin levels in the brain.
“I’ve eaten a potato before bed for the last 7 years, and have had amazing results.  My two college age daughters also have a potato before bed, many times with a cup of chamomile.”

Talk about the Importance of Sleep

According to Prevention Magazine, although humans can survive a month or more without food, they will perish after two weeks with no sleep.  The first night of missed sleep, we get tired and cranky.  The second night leads to lack of concentration, and on the third night, delirium sets in.   Emphasizing the importance of sleep quality may help some teenagers get the message.
Dr. Redline tells Reuters:  “In addition do attention to diet and exercise and activity, healthy sleep . . .is something that should be taught.