ADOLESCENT SLEEP QUANTITY, PARENTING PERMISSIVENESS, AND SUGARY BEVERAGE CONSUMPTION

Abstract Introduction Research suggests that poor sleep is associated with sugary beverage consumption (SBC), however, little is known about contextual factors that may play a role in this association. This study examined the association between sleep quantity and SBC while accounting for parenting permissiveness among a national sample of adolescents. Methods Participants included 1542 adolescents (Mean age = 14.47, SD=1.60) participating in the National Cancer Institute’s Family Life, Activity, Sun, Health, and Eating survey, a web-based survey administered in 2014. Multivariable regression models were used to examine associations between sleep quantity (<8 hrs, 8-10hrs, >10hrs) and frequency of sugary beverage consumption in the past week (soda, energy drinks, sports drinks; not at all to 3+ times/day) while controlling for parenting permissiveness and sociodemographic factors (age, sex, parent education level, race). Results Approximately 58% (n = 1075) of participants reported receiving the recommended 8-10 hours of sleep, while 35% (n = 646) reported receiving less than this recommended amount and 7% (n = 138) reported sleeping more than the recommended amount of time. Findings from multiple regression models indicated that, when accounting for parenting permissiveness and sociodemographic factors, adolescents who slept the recommended number of hours (8-10) reported less frequent consumption of soda (β = -.18, p = .02) and energy drinks (β = -.12, p = .003) compared to those who slept less than 8 hours. Sleep quantity was not associated with frequency of sports drink consumption in unadjusted and adjusted models (p > .05). Conclusion While effect sizes are small, findings suggest that sleep quantity is associated with caffeinated sugary beverage consumption above and beyond parental permissiveness. Given the public health concerns of SBC, examining the influence of developmentally appropriate sleep interventions on SBCs in adolescents is essential. Support n/a