Note from Connie: Are your overweight or obese children getting enough sleep? Parents, you better pay attention to this fascinating new study, which draws a connection between lack of sufficient sleep and obesity. Karen gives you the details.
A recent study finds that elementary school children who routinely sleep less than nine hours per night may be at increased risk to become overweight, according to a story in the Washington Post by Sandra G. Boodman.
You can also check out The Dallas Morning News for this edited version attributed to the Post.
Researchers at the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital , led by pediatrician Julie C. Lumeng, M.D., found that among the almost 800 children between the ages of 9 and 12 they studied, those who got inadequate sleep in both the third grade and the sixth grade were more likely to be overweight in the sixth grade.
The team, whose findings were announced in a press release and published in the November issue of Pediatrics, also determined that the link held fast regardless of the children’s sex, race, socioeconomic status and level of chaos at home. No link was found between sleep problems and overweight.
The study, which Boodman reported may be the first to examine the relationship between excess fat and sleep in children, suggests that one way of preventing overweight may be to ensure children receive adequate amounts of sleep.
Karen James for SUGAR SHOCK! Blog