The relationship between sleep quality and emotional eating during the pandemic in Croatian adults

Abstract Background Social isolation during pandemics has adverse effects on sleep quality which in connection with COVID-19 distress facilitates the development of emotional eating patterns in various populations. This study aimed to evaluate the interconnection between sleep quality and emotional eating in the Croatian adult population during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted from February to June 2021 period. A validated, anonymous questionnaire that contained questions regarding demographic data, data on eating habits, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), was self-administered to a convenient sample of Croatian adults from central and northwestern Croatia. Results The study sample included 939 subjects with, a median age of 42 years (interquartile range 35-48), 35.4% males, and 64.6% females. At the PSQI 22.6% of subjects presented sleep disturbances. Sleep disturbances were more frequent among females (p < 0.001), and inhabitants of the Croatian capital Zagreb (p = 0.001). Subjects with sleep disturbances detected by PSQI during pandemics consumed a larger amount of food than usual (p < 0.001), consumed snacks more frequently (p < 0.001), and cooked more in their households (p = 0.006). Conclusions Poor sleep quality caused by the COVID-19 pandemic led to emotional eating patterns in the Croatian adult population. Health promotion programs directed toward healthy lifestyle choices need to be implemented to successfully tackle observed poor health indicators in the studied population. Key messages • Following the COVID-19 pandemic the obvious deterioration of sleep quality and eating habits is seen in the Croatian general population. • Comprehensive health promotion programs directed toward healthy lifestyle choices adoption are needed.