Investigating the link between sleep and eating behaviors in children with obesity
Eating-related Self-regulation and Its Neural Substrates as Mechanisms Underlying the Sleep/Eating Behavior Association in Children With Overweight/Obesity: An Ecological Momentary Assessment Study
This study is testing how changing sleep patterns affects eating habits in children who are overweight or obese to see if better sleep can help them make healthier food choices.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Ages | 8 Years to 12 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Pittsburgh Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT04057716 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to explore how sleep manipulation affects eating-related self-regulation and neural responses in children who are overweight or obese. By assessing the impact of both sleep restriction and sleep extension, the study seeks to understand the mechanisms that connect sleep patterns with eating behaviors. The research will be conducted in natural environments to enhance ecological validity, focusing on real-world eating behaviors rather than relying solely on laboratory settings. The findings could inform future interventions targeting sleep to improve dietary habits and weight management in children.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children at risk for obesity, defined as having a BMI at or above the 85th percentile for their age and sex, or at least the 50th percentile with an obese parent.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of eating disorders, sleep or psychiatric conditions, or those taking medications that affect sleep or appetite may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to effective strategies for improving sleep and eating behaviors in children, potentially reducing obesity rates and associated health risks.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on sleep and eating behaviors, this trial's focus on children's natural environments and the specific mechanisms involved is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * at risk for obesity (BMI\>=85th percentile for age and sex OR BMI\>=50th percentile for age and sex with at least one obese parent) * average time in bed between 9.5-10.5 hours/night Exclusion Criteria: * previous eating disorder diagnosis and/or sleep or psychiatric conditions * conditions affecting executive functioning (e.g., recent concussion, traumatic brain injury) * taking medication known to affect sleep/appetite (e.g., antihistamines, stimulants) * receiving concurrent treatment for sleep or overweight/obesity
Where this trial is running
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and 1 other locations
- University of Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States (Recruiting)
- Weight Control & Diabetes Research Center — Providence, Rhode Island, United States (Completed)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Andrea B Goldschmidt, Ph.D. — University of Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Erin Stalvey, B.S.
- Email: stalveyer@upmc.edu
- Phone: 412-586-9066
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.