Abstract
Background: The effects of sleep on weight control is more important than researchers previously believed. Good sleep means recovery of essential life functions and is a foundation for good health. Studies show that less time is spent sleeping today than before. Therefore the importance of sleep needs to be raised in the health preventive work of the nurse to promote health. Aim: To illuminate the relevance of sleep in weight control in middle-aged adults. Method: A literature review was done where eleven quantitative scholarly articles form the foundation for the result. Result: Short sleep duration will lead to an increased likelihood of obesity which can lead to disorder in the hormone balance with changed appetite regulation and an increase in body weight as a result. Fragmented sleep is related to increased body mass index and a higher risk of obesity. The most favourable sleep duration for optimal weight control is seven to eight hours. Conclusion: More studies are needed to understand the relationship between sleep and weight control. Qualitative studies where the patients ́ own experiences are illuminated. The nurse has an important role to create a good meeting and a dialogue where openness and sensitivity are essential pillars. The nurse can take a supportive and advisory role, where a common decision can result in an understanding in the association between sleep and weight control.
Date of Award | 2012-Jun-21 |
---|---|
Original language | Swedish |
Supervisor | Jane Holmström Björkman (Supervisor) & Margereth Björklund (Examiner) |
Educational program
- Study Programme in Nursing
University credits
- 15 HE credits
Swedish Standard Keywords
- Nursing (30305)
Keywords
- body mass index
- health preventive
- middle-aged adults
- sleep
- obesity
- weight