Posted on April 29, 2009 in latest news
A new Finnish Study indicates that sleep-deprived kids are at high risk of having behavioral problem. Sleep duration among kids has decreased in many countries due to academics, television, video games etc. It is estimated that in United States, about one-third kids do not get adequate sleep. This is one of the few studies which shows a strong link between sleep deprivation and behavioral problems in kids.
The Study:
The study was done by University of Helsinki and National Institute of Health and Welfare, Finland. About 280 kids, 146 girls and 134 boys were observed to see if sleep deprivation and behavioral problems were related.
Researchers kept a track of the kids’ sleep duration by the means of parental reporting and actigraphs, devices worn on the wrist to determine sleep patterns.
The researchers observed that kids who had less than 7.7 hours of sleep scored higher on impulsivity levels, hyperactivity levels, and had higher ADHD score. Kids who had sleeping difficulty exhibited higher impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention. Kids who had shorter sleep duration showed higher impulsivity and hyperactivity.
This study shows that short sleep, whether due to sleeping difficulty or other factors, can put kids at high risk of behavioral problems and symptoms of ADHD. Parents should make sure their kids have adequate sleep to prevent behavioral problems.
To ensure proper sleep for kids, parents can take steps such as ensuring regular sleeping patterns i.e. sleeping at the same time daily, keeping the kids’ bedroom free from noise, light, and restricting television viewing before bedtime
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