Kids' behavior impacted by lack of sleep

Experts suggest that teenagers generally need between 8 ½ and 10 hours of sleep a night, while children 5 to 12 years old require 9 to 11 hours. Experts, however, say they’re not getting enough.

Based on a 2005 survey by the National Sleep Foundation, most children are not getting the rest they need. Parents also reported that 69% of children experience a significant sleep problem one or more times per night. Such problems include snoring, getting up at night, refusing to go to bed, heavy or loud breathing while sleeping, or night terrors.

Some parents let their kids watch TV as a way to help them sleep, but generally this won’t work. In this study taken nationally, children with televisions in their rooms actually got less sleep. Children who drank one or more caffeinated beverages during the day averaged 3 ½ hours less sleep per week.

Children who get inadequate sleep are more likely to exhibit a variety of emotional and behavioral problems. They have trouble concentrating and focusing in school. They exhibit problems and learning and moodiness. These children may be diagnosed by professionals who misinterpret these problems as manifestations of an attention-deficit or adjustment disorder rather than sleep disturbance.

The issue is particularly acute with teenagers. Parents realize it is difficult for their teens to get sufficient sleep during the week, but hope they will make up for it during the weekend.

Research suggests this doesn’t happen though, and most teens live in a state of sleep deprivation. Your moody teenager could actually be sleep deprived.

In response to this problem, some school districts have changed the starting time for high schools, allowing teens to begin school later in the day in order for them to get more sleep.

There is rarely a simple or quick solution to children’s behavioral, emotional or learning problems. However, helping your child get adequate sleep is an important first step that could have a big impact on their behavior.

Researchers say in order for a teenager or younger child to get enough sleep, it’s important to develop a regular bedtime routine, talk with your kids about the importance of sleep and be a good role model, make sure they get regular exercise, talk with your doctor if your child has any sleep problems such as snoring, heavy breathing, night terrors, and so on, and limit sleepovers, as it is typically a time when your kids get very little sleep.

© Copyright 2007 Insight Journal Online Magazine.

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