Sleep can cut childhood obesity

Researchers have found that a good night's sleep may reduce a child's risk of becoming obese.

According to US research, inadequate sleep is linked to weight gain in both children and adults. Of the children who slept 10-12 hours each night at age eight, around 12 per cent were obese by 11, compared to 22 per cent of those who slept less than nine hours.

Dr Julia Lumeng, from the University of Michigan, looked at 785 children from ten US cities to analyse their sleep patterns as well as their weight and height. The study did not look at parents' behaviour or weight which clearly does have an impact on a child.

The study is in line with research carried out by Bristol University which says that people who habitually slept for five hours each night had 15 per cent more ghrelin, a hormone that increases feelings of hunger, than those who slept for eight hours.


Dr Sharhad Taheri, who has studied the relationship between weight and sleep commented that: "We are just starting to work out the mechanisms: hormones play a role, but a lack of physical activity, which tires you out, could well be a factor too. Parents need to realise the importance of sleep. Taking televisions and gadgets out of bedrooms could be a really good start."

Thanks to the BBC, 06/11/07

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