Impact of chrono-nutrition profile on academic performance with reference to demographic characteristics of young adults: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe circadian rhythm, which governs sleep patterns and dietary habits, is crucial to people's metabolic health. Disruptions to these established routines can result in serious metabolic disorders and may impact youngster's academic performance.AimThis study aimed to assess the chrono-nutrition profile of university students and its impact on academic performance. It also explored the relationship between demographic characteristics, chrono-nutrition patterns, and academic scores.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2023 to July 2023 to assess how disruptions in eating and sleeping patterns may impact academic performance through data collected from 288 young adults (18-30 years). Participants completed the Chrono-nutrition Profile and Academic Performance Questionnaire ( Veronda et al., 2020) and also provided demographic information and responses to self-awareness questions.ResultsThe average age of participants was 21 years, with 19% being males and 81% females; 56.3% were day scholars and 42.4% were hostelites. The average sleep duration of the sample on the workdays was 7 h, compared to 9 h on days off. The mean academic performance score indicated excellent performance (score: 25-32). The relationship of the actual sleep window and eating window with academic performance was not statistically significant (p = 0.905). Similarly, skipping breakfast did not show a significant association with academic performance scores (p = 0.693).ConclusionThe chrono-nutrition profile was not associated with academic performance scores, as there was variability in sleep habits and eating windows on both workdays and days off. We recommend that future research gather prospective data to further investigate these findings.