Children Need Their Sleep

s your little one burning the midnight oil? Find out why your child needs to catch more ZZZs.

Every function in the body is affected by sleep. For a child, the risks of sleep deprivation are much more serious than simply waking up in a grumpy mood. Research shows that children with sleep disturbances have more medical problems—such as allergies, ear infections, and hearing problems—than their well-rested peers. They are also more likely to have social and emotional problems.

In fact, a host of health problems have been associated consistently with inadequate sleep. Here are six reasons why parents should be sure their children are getting enough Zzzs.

Sleep loss is linked to obesity and diabetes.

In recent years, there has been a dramatic rise in the incidence of childhood obesity as well as type 2 diabetes. Studies indicate that lack of sleep may be factor in promoting both obesity and diabetes.

Inadequate sleep may cause children to overeat.

University of Chicago researchers reported in the December 2004 Annals of Internal Medicine that a lack of sleep changes the circulating levels of the hormones which regulate hunger and the boost appetite and a person's preference for high-calorie, high-carbohydrate foods.