Assessing the Relation Between Weight Status and Sleep Status in 18-24 year old Females

Purpose: Obesity and sleep deprivation are prevalent within the United States. The purpose of this study was to determine whether weight status differs by sleep duration in 18-24 year old females. Methods: This sample includes women age 18-24 years old in Louisiana (N=100), Mississippi (N=118), and Texas (N=215). Descriptive statistics for each category by state and multiple logistic regression for each category by combined states were used for analysis using StataIC 15.1. Cross sectional analysis was performed using data obtained from the 2016 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System conducted by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Results: Results indicated that approximately 40% of participants were either overweight or obese and approximately 20% had either long or short sleep duration. BMI was not significantly related to sleep duration in participants; however, physical activity was inversely related to weight status. Conclusion: The purpose of this study was to determine whether weight status differed by sleep duration in 18-24 year olds and it was found that there was no significant relation in this demographic. Results did, however, find that physical activity was highly related to weight status. Thus, in primary care practice, women age 18-24 with a higher BMI should be screened for their physical activity level. Those who do not participate in physical activity should be encouraged to participate, and possibly be referred to physical therapy to find appropriate exercises.