Universal Journal of Public Health Vol. 3(1), pp. 22 - 27
DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2015.030104
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The Association between Sleep Loss and Women's Wellness Decisions

Amber S Linde ^1,*, Gudeta Fufaa ^2
1 Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center, United States
² College of Health Sciences, Walden University, United States

ABSTRACT

Sleep loss is an important determinant of health status owing to its relationships with molecular, immune, and neural changes; these changes, in turn, are important etiological mechanisms for the development of cardiovascular, metabolic diseases and increased risk of accident related injuries. While the association between sleep loss and risk of weight gain is established, studies on the association between sleep loss and nutrition and physical activity are limited. The purpose of this research was to determine if there are significant associations between reported sleep variations and nutrition and physical activity level while recognizing the association between body mass index (BMI) and sleep loss. Data from the 2011 sleep-related questions captured by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) was used to identify possible behavioral indicators related to sleep loss in women. Multiple logistic regression was used to assess the hypothesized associations between sleep loss and fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity levels. The odds ratios for the association between fruit/vegetable intake and sleep loss and that of BMI and sleep loss were (OR =0.761, 95% CI =0.651, 0.889) and (OR = 1.108, 95% CI =0.972, 1.262), respectively. The odds ratio for the association between physical exercise and sleep loss was (OR = 0.991, 95% CI =0.864, 1.137). Having adjusted for relevant covariates, consumption of fruits and vegetables was significantly associated with sleep loss; physical activity was not significantly associated with sleep loss.

KEYWORDS
BMI, Nutrition, Physical Activity, Sleep Loss, Women

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Amber S Linde , Gudeta Fufaa , "The Association between Sleep Loss and Women's Wellness Decisions," Universal Journal of Public Health, Vol. 3, No. 1, pp. 22 - 27, 2015. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2015.030104.

(b). APA Format:
Amber S Linde , Gudeta Fufaa (2015). The Association between Sleep Loss and Women's Wellness Decisions. Universal Journal of Public Health, 3(1), 22 - 27. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2015.030104.