How Sleep Time Affects the Daily Caloric Consumption and Weight Status of University of Wisconsin-Stout College Students

Abstract

Increased sleep deprivation and incidence of obesity is an evident rising problem in the college undergraduate population. However, little evidence exists of how sleep affects this group’s caloric consumption and weight status. The purpose of this study was to investigate how sleep duration affects the daily caloric consumption and weight status of college students. The study design was quantitative and utilized a survey questionnaire. A random sample of University of Wisconsin-Stout undergraduate college students was provided by the University of Wisconsin- Stout Planning, Assessment, Research and Quality (PARQ) department. An email was sent inviting 1,000 potential subjects to participate. The questionnaire specifically designed by the researcher for this study consisted of questions pertaining to the sleeping habits, caloric intake, and body mass index (BMI) of individuals. Findings of the research revealed 45.4% of the population sampled was overweight or obese. The mean intake of participants exceeded carbohydrate, protein, and calcium recommendations, but the mean intake of calories did not achieve recommendations. Another area of concern was the low levels of fruit and vegetable servings reported, with only 14.1% and 15.8% of males and females, respectively, meeting recommendations. Thus, the college population is missing key nutrients provided by fruit and vegetables.