Sleep duration and consumption of ultra-processed foods among Brazilian adolescents

Abstract Background: Sleep duration influences adolescents eating patterns and quality of life. Thus, the study objective was to verify the association between sleep duration and ultra-processed food (UPF) intake among Brazilian adolescents participating in the Study of Cardiovascular Risks in Adolescents (ERICA). Methods: Cross-sectional study using ERICA data, conducted between March 2013 and December 2014 with adolescents aged 12 to 17 years from public and private schools. UPF intake was obtained by recording a 24-hour food diary, and sleep duration through a questionnaire, stratified into: recommended sleep duration (from 8 to 10 hours) and inadequate sleep duration (less than 8 hours and more than 10 hours). Linear regression was performed to verify the association between sleep duration and UPF consumption. Results: 66,791 adolescents were evaluated. Adolescents with inadequate sleep duration showed an increase in UPF consumption. Conclusion: This result can contribute to the development of multifactorial interventions to improve adolescents’ quality of life, emphasizing the importance of adopting healthy lifestyle habits.