Sleep habits among overweight and obese school-aged children and the right to health

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to assess the relationship between sleep habits and obesity in children.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an observational cross-sectional case–control study conducted on 100 children aged 6–12 years, selected randomly from the OPC of the Pediatric Hospital, Ain-Shams University. The subjects were subdivided into two groups: the control group of 50 and the target group of children who are classed overweight or obese. Subjects were excluded where the obesity could be explained owing to an endocrinal and/or any identified disease, those who have a medical or psychiatric illness, and those whose parents refused to give consent. All patients had a full history taken, and each child’s parent fulfilled one questionnaire on sleep behaviors.

Findings

This study found that 72% with bedtime resistance compared to only 14% among the control subjects, 68% of children experienced a delay with sleep onset compared to 14% among controls, 68% experienced sleep duration abnormalities compared to 12% in the control group, 60% of children stated they needed their parents while going to sleep, compared to 12% among controls, 64% of cases suffered from walking during the night compared to 12% among controls, 64% of cases had a Parasomnia compared to 12% among controls, 66% of cases snoring loudly compared to 12% among controls, and 66% suffering from Apnea, compared to 6% in the control group, and 50% of cases had daytime sleepiness compared to 14% among controls.

Research limitations/implications

It is hoped that this research will be remedied through the adoption of a child-centered approach inspired by the rights to health and play, and the general principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).

Practical implications

The results showed a strong association between excessive weight and increased risk of sleep problems, which were broadly diffused in the population childhood.

Originality/value

This current study has given us a base for the overwhelming fact that these children are directly affected by obesity. A chronic medical condition has enormous implications on health and can lead to many associated disease processes.

Citation

El Khayat, H., El Deeb, M., Elhabiby, M., Ahmad Mourad, A.M.I. and Elnemais Fawzy, M. (2022), "Sleep habits among overweight and obese school-aged children and the right to health", International Journal of Human Rights in Healthcare, Vol. 15 No. 3, pp. 215-226. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJHRH-02-2021-0025