Researchers at the University of Washington found that kids under the age of five who slept less than 10 hours at night were more likely to become overweight in five years time. The lack of sleep at night could not be compensated by naps and babies who slept less at night were 80 percent more likely to be obese than other kids.
According to Dr. Janice Bell who studied the national survey taken between 1997 and 2002, “This is something we may be able to change to address the growing obesity problem.”
She also found that whereas there was a link between sleep deprivation and obesity in children under the age of 5 the same link was not seen in kids in the age group of 5 to 13 although the link was present in adults who have for long time known to have relation between lost sleep and weight issues.
Dr. Bell also clarified that day time naps and night sleep could not compensate each other as they served different functions. While naps helped reduce stress and make child more attentive to learn, nighttime sleep involved “complex biological, psychological and restorative functions.”
The study did not give clear reasoning as to why less sleep led to obesity but some experts believe it is due to the more wakeful hours a baby spends and therefore eats more. Plus children who are tired are less likely to engage in vigorous activities or exercise.
According to paediatrician Dr. Jennifer Shu,
“This study gives parents one more reason to prioritize healthy sleeping habits in their young children’s lives.” She also adds, “Regardless of the reasons involved, however, repeated studies suggest that children benefit from more sleep, not less, so parents should remember to consider sufficient sleep as part of their child’s overall health and well-being.”
CDC sleep recommendations suggest on an average a one year old should sleep 13 to 15 hours at night, and a 3 to 5 year old must sleep between 11 to 13 hours.
Says physician and diet and fitness expert Dr. Malina Jampolis,
“we know in adults that shortened sleep duration is associated with changes in substances [or hormones] like ghrelin and leptin, which can increase hunger, decrease metabolism, and lead to insulin resistance.”
Although she’s not a pediatrician or sleep expert, Dr. Jampolis recommends some of the same suggestions for helping toddlers get to sleep as she gives to adults:
1. Stick to a schedule
2. Build an optimal sleep environment [low noise & light]
3. Limit TV (videos) before bed (could over-stimulate the child)
– Atula, Staff Writer
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