Gender-Specific Associations of Different Anthropometric Indices with Sleep Quality and Daytime Sleepiness

Sleep is necessary for all living beings and plays a significant role in preventing health complications. Many health risks are associated with overweight and obesity. Association between sleep habits and anthropometric indices were investigated in this study.

The objective of this study was to determine gender-specific associations of different anthropometric indices with sleep quality and daytime sleepiness.

This cross-sectional study involved 550 males and females. Anthropometric indices measured with the help of a bioelectric impedance device. The Pittsburgh sleeps quality index was used to evaluate sleep quality over a one-month period, and the Epworth sleepiness scale was used to measure the level of daytime sleepiness. Kruskal-Wallis test was applied for comparative analysis, and Spearman correlation was also used to assess the relationship among all variables.

A negative correlation identified between the percentage of body fat with sleep quality and daytime sleepiness and other anthropometric indices has a low positive correlation, but not significant for sleep quality and daytime sleepiness. While females have a negative correlation for daytime sleepiness and a significant difference among anthropometric indices for sleep quality and daytime sleepiness was evident. A higher percentage of body fat was found among female participants.

This study has highlighted the prevalence of obesity with multiple anthropometric indices. Such studies could help evaluate the role of anthropometric indices in predicting the quality of sleep and daytime sleepiness in male and female participants.