[The influence of sleep and emotional states on childhood body mass index].

INTRODUCTION By using path analysis, the aim of this study iso show how anxiety, low self-esteem and a decrease in hours of sleep interact to lead to an increase in overweight in children. METHOD A random sample of 291 schoolchildren was included. A cross-sectional design was used, measuring their body mass index (BMI) and applying the State-Trait Anxiety inventory for Children and the Children' Depression Inventory. RESULTS The mean sleep time was 9 hours and 50 minutes. There was an inverse relationship between hours of sleep and BMI. Similarly, anxiety and low self-esteem were predictors of the number of hours of sleep. CONCLUSIONS These data allow it to be concluded that, on one hand, the population studied sleeps less than the 10 or 11 hours recommended for their age. On the other hand, it has been demonstrated how certain emotional states can encourage increased BMI in children, but this relationship is associated with reduced sleep.