Sleep-wake cycles in obese children with and without binge-eating episodes

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study was to assess binge-eating episodes and to characterise sleep-wake cycles among obese children.

Method: The obese group consisted of 36 children. All participants received a diagnosis of primary obesity. The obese group was subdivided into two groups: obese with binge eating and without binge eating. A normal-weight control group was comprised of 25 normal-weight children. Sleep-wake patterns were monitored for 1 week, using mini-actigraphs and self-report questionnaires.

Results: Thirty-seven per cent of the obese children reported uncontrolled binge-eating episodes. Actigraphic monitoring revealed significant differences in sleep quality between all three groups. Self-report questionnaires presented significantly more sleep disturbances in the obese group with binge eating and obese group without binge eating than in the normal-weight group.

Conclusion: Sleep disruption in obese children with binge eating is significantly more severe than in both obese non-binge-eating children and normal-weight controls.