Influence of diet, exercise, and sleep on the health and well-being of children and adolescents

Child and adolescent health is determined by a variety of interconnected lifestyle factors, such as diet, physical activity and sleep. In recent years, the time devoted to physical activity and adherence to healthy dietary patterns have declined. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the influence of sleep, physical activity and diet on children's health. A healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, not only promotes better body composition and a lower risk of obesity but has also been linked to improved mental health and cognitive performance. Physical activity has been associated with benefits for cardiovascular health, emotional regulation and academic performance. In contrast, a sedentary lifestyle, particularly excessive screen time, has been associated with increased adiposity and impaired psychological well-being. Insufficient sleep has been shown to impair cognitive function and emotional stability, although its association with adiposity and cardiometabolic biomarkers remains inconclusive. These lifestyle factors are not only interrelated but may also reinforce each other. Furthermore, fostering healthy habits from an early age is crucial, as these behaviors often persist into adulthood, shaping long-term well-being.