Authors: Paula Mihaela Onița1, Gabriela Florentina Sacarea1, Oana Anamaria Moldovan1,
Alexandru Maftei2, Roxana Maria Martin-Hadmaș1
Affiliation
1 Community Nutrition and Food Safety Department, “George Emil Palade” University of Medicine,
Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, Romania
2 Nutritik Performance, Romanian Swimming Federation and Modern Pentathlon
Abstract
Background. Various sources indicate that eating habits are influenced by sleep. Increased food intake, a poor diet, and excess body fat are all associated with short sleep duration, poor sleep quality, and later bedtimes.
Aims. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between weight, menstruation, and sleep among a group of recreational athletes.
Methods. An observational study was conducted from November 2022 to February 2023 on a sample of 60 female participants in Târgu Mureș, Romania. The collected data included dietary habits analyzed through food journals, detailed anthropometry, characterization of physical activity, menstrual cycle, and sleep patterns.
Results. The dietary habits of the study sample were imbalanced, deficient in proteins and fibers. BMI was significantly associated with nighttime sleep duration and heart rate measured during physical exertion but was not associated with specific menstrual cycle data.
Conclusions. In the analyzed study sample, BMI did not represent a factor influencing menstrual cycle variability.
Key words: nutrition, menstrual cycle, sleep, physical activity.
The interplay of weight, menstruation and sleep in a group of amateur sportswomen
