Protocol for a randomized controlled trial investigating the effects of sleep extension on body weight and learning in children (More2Sleep) - Summary - MDSpire

Protocol for a randomized controlled trial investigating the effects of sleep extension on body weight and learning in children (More2Sleep)

  • By

  • Cecilie H. Rasmussen

  • Nadia D. Neesgaard

  • Malene Skriver-Bayer

  • Caroline S. Muushardt

  • Eva Leedo-Townend

  • Jonas R. Bjørndal

  • Maria I. Rosenkrans

  • Andreas Wulff-Abramsson

  • Louise Mejer

  • Kathrine Skak Madsen

  • Line K. Johnsen

  • Hartwig R. Siebner

  • Nanette M. Debes

  • Chantelle N. Hart

  • Guy Plasqui

  • Anders Grøntved

  • Glen Nielsen

  • Poul J. Jennum

  • Jesper Lundbye-Jensen

  • Faidon Magkos

  • May 11, 2026

  • 0 min

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Objective:

To assess the effects of sleep extension on body weight regulation and learning ability in school-aged children with nocturnal sleep below recommendations for their age, aiming to establish causal links.

Key Findings:
  • Short sleep duration is linked to obesity and cognitive impairments in children.
  • Increased sleep duration may benefit weight management and cognitive development.
  • Existing studies suggest that sleep extension can lead to lower BMI z-scores and improved cognitive performance, but further experimental studies are needed.
Interpretation:

The study aims to provide causal evidence on the relationship between sleep duration, weight management, and cognitive skills in children, potentially informing future health recommendations.

Limitations:
  • The study's findings may not be generalizable to all pediatric populations.
  • The reliance on self-reported measures for dietary intake may introduce bias.
  • The 6-month follow-up may affect the sustainability of the intervention's effects.
Conclusion:

The More2Sleep trial could have significant implications for addressing obesity and cognitive challenges in children through sleep interventions, potentially informing public health recommendations.

Original Source(s)

Protocol for a randomized controlled trial investigating the effects of sleep extension on body weight and learning in children (More2Sleep)

  • by Cecilie H. Rasmussen, Nadia D. Neesgaard, Malene Skriver-Bayer, Caroline S. Muushardt, Eva Leedo-Townend, Jonas R. Bjørndal, Maria I. Rosenkrans, Andreas Wulff-Abramsson, Louise Mejer, Kathrine Skak Madsen, Line K. Johnsen, Hartwig R. Siebner, Nanette M. Debes, Chantelle N. Hart, Guy Plasqui, Anders Grøntved, Glen Nielsen, Poul J. Jennum, Jesper Lundbye-Jensen, Faidon Magkos

  • May 11, 2026

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