Tuesday 29 March 2011

29th March 2011 Sleep in Children & Teenagers

Research has shown that many children and teenagers are not getting sufficient sleep. Rather than the 8 hours usually mentioned, teenagers need 9-9 1/4 hours and younger children need 10-12.

The blue light of screens may prevent the body from producing sufficient melatonin at bedtime making it harder to fall asleep.

A recently discovered consequence of lack of sleep is that it disrupts the metabolic processes of the body leading to an increased risk of obesity.  We get hungrier, eat more of higher calorie foods and may also exercise less because we're too tired.

Source: http://www.chicagotribune.com/health/ct-health-chat-teen-sleeping-habits,0,4228133.htmlstory

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