The Relationship between Sleep Quality and Obesity in Elementary School Children

Yazdani, Mostafa; Mohammadi Jorjafki, Reihaneh; Raaii, Farzaneh; Shahba, Ladan; Jahanbakhsh, Farzaneh

doi:10.18502/ijdo.v18i1.21058

Volume 18, Issue 1 (2-2026) IJDO 2026, 18(1): 18-29 | Back to browse issues page

‎ 10.18502/ijdo.v18i1.21058

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Yazdani M, Mohammadi Jorjafki R, Raaii F, Shahba L, Jahanbakhsh F. The Relationship between Sleep Quality and Obesity in Elementary School Children. IJDO 2026; 18 (1) :18-29
URL: http://ijdo.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-1014-en.html

The Relationship between Sleep Quality and Obesity in Elementary School Children

Mostafa Yazdani

, Reihaneh Mohammadi Jorjafki

, Farzaneh Raaii

, Ladan Shahba

, Farzaneh Jahanbakhsh ^*

Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine Shahid Beheshti Hospital Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.

Abstract: (41 Views)

Objective: Obesity and sleep disorders are major health concerns in children, with long-term consequences for physical and mental health. Numerous studies have shown a correlation between poor sleep quality and obesity, highlighting the importance of a deeper investigation into this matter. This study aims to examine the association between sleep quality and obesity in elementary school children in Kerman in 2023.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 384 children aged 7-13 years. Demographic data and sleep quality were gathered using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Weight status was assessed by appropriate anthropometric measurements. Data were analyzed with SPSS software version 29, using T-tests and ANOVA.
Results: Sleep quality in obese children was significantly lower than in children with normal or overweight status (P< 0.001). Additionally, sleep quality decreased with age (P< 0.001). Gender (P= 0.222), family income (P= 0.625), and chronic illness (P= 0.664) had no significant effect on sleep quality.
Conclusion: While obesity and age were significant indications of poor sleep quality, gender, income level, and health history were not. These results highlight the importance of obesity management and awareness among parents and educators regarding the importance of sleep quality in children's academic performance and mental health.

Keywords: Obesity, Sleep quality, Body mass index, Children, Sleep disorders

Full-Text [PDF 859 kb] (10 Downloads)

Type of Study: Research | Subject: Special
Received: 2025/08/25 | Accepted: 2025/12/14 | Published: 2026/02/21

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