Study of Sleep Extension to Improve Weight and Learning in Children Aged 6 to 12 Years with Higher BMI

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating the effect of extending sleep by about 45 minutes each night on body weight and learning ability in school-aged children who have a body mass index BMI above average for their age and sex, and who usually sleep 9 hours or less per night. This randomized controlled trial includes 142 children aged 6 to 12 years. The study aims to understand how longer sleep impacts fat accumulation and learning skills in this group. Participants are divided into two groups a sleep extension group and a control group. The sleep extension group will receive a behavioral intervention where parents help their children go to bed 60 to 90 minutes earlier, with six sessions offered both in-person and virtually over three months to support this change. The control group will keep their usual sleep schedule and attend the same number of meetings that focus on general well-being and information about sleep and diet recordings. Data will be collected at the start, after the three-month intervention, and again after six months of follow-up. Throughout the study, children will undergo various assessments including body measurements like BMI, body fat, and bone density, as well as tests of learning ability and cognitive function. The study will also monitor diet, physical activity, metabolic rates, and neurophysiological measures related to skill learning. These evaluations occur at multiple points during the study months 0, 1.5, 3, and 9. Optional additional examinations will be offered to some participants based on availability. The total study duration for each child is nine months, combining intervention and follow-up.

Effect of Sleep Extension on Body Weight and Learning in Children (More2Sleep)