Science Daily reports that a new study published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health shows that obese adolescents go to bed later and sleep less than their thinner peers.
Sleep patterns of Australian children between the ages of 9-18 years of age were analyzed on different days of the week. Results showed that obese children slept worse on Sunday nights. Findings also showed that female students slept more than their male peers, as they went to bed at earlier times. Underweight children went to bed significantly earlier than children of normal weight.
Researchers involved in the study say that the relationship between sleep patterns and weight remains unclear; however, the evidence presented by the study supports the theory that short sleep duration is strongly associated with obesity. Along with weight, another factor that may influence children’s sleep is the use of technology. Researchers suggest that future studies should examine the associations between the use of technology (television, video games, computers and cell phones), weight and sleep.
School-age children often fail to get the sleep they need (between 10-12 hours per night) in order to function at their highest capability. Poor sleep in children can lead to weight gain, heart disease and diabetes. It can also result in changes in mood and behavior.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine suggests that parents keep technology out of the bedroom, and enforce a nightly routine as well as a strict bedtime in order to help children get the sleep they need.
