The associations between sleep duration and sleep quality with overweight/obesity in professional drivers: evidence from an Iranian case-control study

Sleep disturbances are increasingly recognized as important contributors to metabolic disorders, particularly in high-risk occupational groups such as professional drivers. This study aimed to examine the associations between sleep duration and sleep quality with overweight/obesity among Iranian professional drivers. A case–control study was conducted among 1,200 male professional drivers undergoing annual occupational health examinations in Iran. Participants were classified into overweight/obese cases (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m²; n = 600) and non-overweight/obese controls (BMI < 25 kg/m²; n = 600). Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Logistic regression models were applied to estimate the odds ratios (OR) for overweight/obesity associated with sleep duration and sleep quality. A total of 45.1% of drivers had poor sleep quality, and 34.2% reported sleeping fewer than 7 h per 24-hour period. In the fully adjusted model, drivers who slept ≤ 7 h had higher odds of being overweight /obese compared with those who slept > 7 h (OR = 1.319; 95% CI: 1.011–1.722). Additionally, drivers with poor sleep quality had higher odds of being overweight /obese compared with drivers with good sleep quality (OR = 1.287; 95% CI: 1.014–1.625). This study demonstrates that short sleep duration and poor sleep quality are associated with increased risk of overweight/obesity among professional drivers. These findings highlight sleep as an important and modifiable determinant of metabolic health in this occupational group. Incorporating sleep-focused strategies into occupational health programs may contribute to improved weight management and enhanced safety among professional drivers.