Is Sleep Deprivation Related to Obesity Among Law Enforcement Officers?

Obese individuals are a growing national health problem of major concern, yet the physiologic mechanisms responsible for obesity are not fully understood. Previous research has suggested that chronic partial sleep loss, a growing trend in America, may increase the risk of obesity via multiple pathways. Law enforcement officers (LEOs) often work long days, multiple rotating shifts, and overtime and have a high prevalence of chronic fatigue and obesity. Better understanding of the relationship between sleep and obesity will aid in directing future nursing interventions.