London, February 09: It’s not just food and the lack of exercise that contribute to obesity. We know that genetics play a factor, as does sleep, or lack thereof. A study done by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) in 2008 showed that irregular sleep patterns contribute to obesity, and new research presented by researchers at the University of Chicago shows an association between insufficient sleep and obesity and other metabolic problems.
The recommended sleep duration for children is nine to ten hours; however, the study followed 308 healthy children (aged four to ten) and found not only that a large portion did not meet that sleep goal, but many had erratic sleep issues. The lack of a long, deep sleep (durations of about 6.5 hours) and/or irregular sleep patterns were associated with altered levels of insulin, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and C-reactive protein (an indication of inflammation and cardiovascular risk).
Children who got the least amount of sleep and who had the most irregular sleep schedules were 4.4 times more likely to be obese. Short sleepers that got a few extra ZZZZs on the weekend could lower that to 2.2 times more likely.
In the 2008 NCHS study, 33 percent of those who sleep less than six hours were obese, while those who regularly slept seven or eight hours per night were the thinnest with obesity occurring in only 22 percent of the participants.
Sleep deficit effects more than just your waistline. It can be detrimental to your ability to remain alert and attentive, and affect performance. It has been found that people who have slept fewer than six hours a night were more likely to develop a condition that precedes diabetes, increases the risk of high blood pressure and can lead to depression.
If your child has trouble sleeping on a regular basis, there is a simple urine test that is effective in detecting sleep apnea, a common sleeping disorder. You can also try homeopathic remedies that target insomnia, or try some simple non-prescription ways to get a good night’s sleep available here.
–Agencies–