Losing Sleep, Gaining Weight? Young Bangladeshi Adults' Perceptions of Sleep, Eating and Body Weight: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background

Inadequate sleep and excess body weight are escalating global health concerns, especially among young adults facing academic pressures, digital lifestyles, and cultural norms. While quantitative research has shown links between sleep and body weight, little is known about the lived experiences shaping this relationship in Asian contexts.

Methods

A qualitative study was conducted in urban Dhaka, Bangladesh, in 2022. Twenty-six young adults aged 18–25 years were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling methods. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted in Bangla, audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and translated into English. Thematic analysis was performed using an inductive approach, supplemented by deductive coding based on the socio-ecological model (SEM).

Results

Five key themes emerged: (1) structural and environmental conditions disrupting sleep; (2) digital night culture and socially reinforced wakefulness; (3) the prioritisation of productivity over sleep; (4) unequal burdens of household labour and caregiving and opportunities for rest; and (5) perceived associations between irregular sleep, fatigue, and eating behaviours. Young adults described poor sleep as both a personal and structural issue and perceived connections with body weight and overall wellbeing. Across the identified themes, sleep and eating practices that appeared individual were embedded within interpersonal, institutional, environmental, and sociocultural contexts.

Conclusions

The findings indicate opportunities for healthy sleep are influenced by social, institutional, and environmental conditions in addition to individual practices. Consequently, sleep-health strategies targeting young adults may benefit from integrating individual education with interventions that address peer and family practices, institutional expectations, and environments conducive to sleep health. Further longitudinal and mixed-method research is required to investigate the pathways identified in these qualitative accounts.

Patient and Public Contribution

The findings were discussed with patient and public involvement (PPI) members who are young adults. Their insights informed the development of the interview guide. A subset of participants helped interpret the results by engaging in member checking of preliminary findings and identified themes. Members of the public did not participate in study governance or manuscript preparation.