Lack of sleep in children

Children who sleep very little, are at risk of obesity, reveals a new study by American scientists, published in the journal Pediatrics.

Several previous studies have shown that lack of sleep increases the risk of obesity in adults and significantly reduces cognitive abilities in children. This study, which was directed by dr. Elsie Taveras, finds that enough sleep is needed for more children than adults because their bodies are developing.

"Some studies have shown that sufficient amount of sleep in children is important only at a certain age, and with this study we have proved that children, regardless of age, should sleep enough," said dr. Taveras.

Researchers whose study lasted six years studied the health and weight of children aged 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 years. Each year they measured all the necessary parameters for thickness diagnosis, including body mass index, waist circumference, total percentage of fatty tissue, percent of visceral tissue and muscle mass.

Mothers completed a questionnaire that contained questions about diet, physical activity and the amount of childbirth. The researchers considered the amount of sleep during the afternoon and at night.

When analyzing all the data, they came to the conclusion that children who sleep at least have the highest risk of obesity, and since the age of seven.

Scientists point out that children 6 months to 2 years old should sleep at least 12 hours a day. Children aged 3 to 4 should sleep at least 10 hours a day, at age 5 to 7, at least 9 hours a day.

Scientists also came to the conclusion that children in poorer and poorer households often sleep very little.

Lack of sleep can significantly inhibit body building, promote excessive release of hunger hormones, reduce the desire for physical activity and increase the desire for food.

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