Sleeping for less than 8 hours a night has been shown to increase a child's weight resulting in overweight and eventually obesity. In a new study by researchers in Hong Kong, it has been found that letting children sleep more on weekends can partially compensate for shorter sleep durations during weekdays.
The researchers studied 5159 boys and girls with an average age of 9 years. They monitored the children's sleep durations and BMI (Body Mass Index) scores. Many children slept less than 8 hours a night. This is called sleep deprivation. The research found that sleep deprived children had higher BMI (overweight) than the children who had a good night's rest. But interestingly they also found that when children who slept less than 8 hours a night on weekdays and then caught up with their sleep on weekends and holidays, can reduce this risk of obesity.
Often on weekdays, children sleep late due to various factors - late night television, homework etc., However, since most schools in India start early, children get up early and thus do not get enough hours of sleep. Parents can help children stay healthy by ensuring they get a good night's rest.
The study appeared in the November 2009 issue if Pediatrics magazine.
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