Sleep deprivation in children increases their obesity risk

Children and adolescents with a lack of firefights are more likely to be overweight

A recent English study shows that children who regularly sleep too little have a higher risk of becoming overweight or obese. The findings suggest that sleep deprivation may be an important risk factor for childhood and adolescent obesity. According to the researchers, the short sleep is associated with a 58 percent increased risk of overweight and obesity.

Research at the University of Warwick has shown that children and adolescents who regularly sleep less than their peers are more likely to be overweight and obese over time. This is shown by the results of a meta-analysis, in which scientists analyzed the data from 42 studies with over 75,000 participants aged between zero and 18 years. The study was recently published in the journal "Oxford Academic Sleep".

According to an English study, regular sleep deprivation and overweight in children and adolescents are causally related. (Image: dementevajulia / fotolia.com)

Heart disease and diabetes are also increasing in children

"Obesity can lead to heart disease and type 2 diabetes," says the co-author of the study. Michelle Miller in a press release from the University of Warwick. According to the expert, these diseases also increase significantly in children. The study's findings suggest that sleep could be an important modifiable risk factor for future obesity, Miller said.

How much sleep do children need??

The researchers based their study on the sleep recommendations of the US National Sleep Foundation. These recommend the following sleep times per day:

• baby between four and eleven months: 12 to 15 hours
• toddlers between one and two years: Eleven to 14 hours
• preschoolers between three and five years: ten to 13 hours
• schoolchildren between six and 13 years: nine to eleven hours
• teenager between 14 and 17 years: 8 to 10 hours

Short and normal sleepers

The participants were divided into two groups for the study: short and normal sleepers. The short sleepers included all persons who were below these sleep duration recommendations. The participants were followed over a period of three years and changes in BMI were recorded. In all age groups, between zero and 18, the short sleepers had a 58 percent greater chance of developing obesity or obesity.

Consistent relationship between sleep and overweight

"The results showed a consistent relationship between sleep deprivation and obesity across all age groups studied," explains Drs. Miller. This reaffirmed the concept that sleep deprivation is an important risk factor for obesity that is detectable early in life.

Obesity has increased worldwide

The authors report that the prevalence of obesity has increased worldwide and the World Health Organization has now declared obesity a global epidemic. In addition to a healthy diet and sufficient exercise, it may be important for children, in particular, to sleep well. Researchers suggest educating parents and children about educational programs. (Vb)