Sleep duration, risk of obesity, and parental perceptions of residential neighborhood environments in 6-9 years-old children.

Objectives: The present study aimed to analyze the association between healthy sleep duration of children and the parental perception of the social/built environment.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was done and a sample of 8273 children (4183 females) aged 6-9 years was observed. Height (cm) and weight (Kg) were measured, and the body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Participants were classified as normal weight or overweight/obese. Sleep habits, sedentary behaviors (i.e., TV viewing) and environmental variables were assessed by questionnaire. Logistic regressions were used, with adjustments for age, sex, BMI, and sedentary time.

Results: Children whose parents reported a positive perception of the built environment in the residential area were 1.21 times more likely to have regular sleep habits during weekdays. Furthermore, children whose parents reported a negative perception of the social environment and safety were 81% more likely to have irregular sleep habits during the weekdays.

Conclusions: The present study revealed a positive association between regular sleep during the weekdays and the parental perception of the social/built environment (land use and urban design).