New Study Links Sleep and Obesity in Kids/Preteens

We all know that an adequate amount of sleep can help kids perform better academically, as well as, improve their mood and attention span. But did you know a child's sleep pattern can predict their weight? A new study shows that kids and pre-teens who get sufficient amounts of sleep every night are less likely to be obese. rnThe study, conducted by the University of Chicago and University of Louisville, compared sleep patterns in approximately 308 kids and preteens. The children wore special wrist bands for a week which tracked the amount of time they spend sleeping. Some had blood work done to check for the risk signs of type 2 diabetes and future cardiovascular disease. rnThe findings of the study are outlined below: rnThe 308 kids and preteens slept an average of eight hours a night. (Nine or more hours is the recommended amount of sleep time for children in these age groups)rnThe children and preteens that did sleep at least 9½ to 10 hours were least likely to be obese and have unhealthy blood workrnThose that got the least amount and had an irregular sleep schedule showed a greater risk of being obese and bad blood workrnThose that used the weekends to catch up on sleep reduce their risk of being obese slightlyrnHowever, obese kids were less likely to catch up on their sleep over the weekends than non obese kids The research also found that a reason behind why this is being caused is because not getting enough rest affects hormones that control ones hunger and feeling full. With nearly 1/3 of children and preteens weighing too much, good sleep routines are the best healthy proposition for our youth. Obesity puts them at risk for high cholesterol, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and several other health conditions.