Analysis of magnesium, zinc, and impulsivity levels in sleep-restricted overweight or obese participants from the EPISONO 2018

• Grant number: 25/08883-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: July 01, 2025
• End date: June 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Monica Levy Andersen
• Grantee: Lorraine Michelle da Silva de Almeida
• Host Institution: Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus São Paulo. São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Sleep restriction produces several undesirable effects on the body, such as an increase in body mass index (BMI) due to reduced impulsive control over high-calorie and nutrient-poor foods. These foods contribute to low serum levels of magnesium and zinc. Studies indicate a relationship between these minerals and impulsivity, that is, decision-making without critical thinking. This project proposes to analyze impulsivity and serum levels of magnesium and zinc in sleep-restricted people with high BMI using the EPISONO database - 4th edition, an epidemiological study conducted between 2018 and 2019 from a population sample from São Paulo - Brazil. Information on sleep and impulsivity will be obtained through questionnaires, including the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Barrat Impulsivity Scale, respectively. Magnesium and zinc dosages will be used to obtain the serum levels of these minerals for each participant. We expect to observe a decrease in these minerals levels, associated with higher impulsivity scores in sleep-restricted participants who are overweight or obese. Confirmation of the correlation between these factors may contribute to the understanding of the processes related to weight gain and sleep duration, providing scientific basis for the application of strategies aimed at reversing the overweight/obesity condition in people with sleep restriction complaints.