Trivandrum, First Published Aug 2, 2022, 1:10 PM IST
Sleep is essential for the mind and body to get adequate rest. The amount and need for sleep is different at every age. Experts say that young children should sleep more. As we age, sleep time decreases. Children’s sleep is also related to their physical development.
Sleeping less than nine hours a day can lead to mental retardation and mental problems, according to a new study. The study was published in the Lancet Child and Adolescent Health journal.
School-age children who sleep less than nine hours a night can cause memory loss. A new study by University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) researchers compared people who slept between nine and 12 hours. Researchers also say that people who lack sleep are more likely to have problems such as depression and anxiety.
According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, children ages 6 to 12 need 9 to 12 hours of sleep a night.
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Researchers examined data collected from more than 8,300 children ages 9 to 10 enrolled in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study. The researchers say this is the largest long-term study of brain development and child health in the US.
Compared to healthy sleepers, children who sleep less than nine hours a night are more likely to develop memory loss…- said Xe Wang, professor of diagnostic radiology and nuclear medicine at UMSOM.
This is one of the first findings to demonstrate the long-term impact of sleep deprivation on neurocognitive development in children. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings, said Prof. Tse.
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The American Academy of Pediatrics encourages parents to encourage good sleep habits in their children. Researchers also point out that parents should make sure children get into the habit of light exercise, limit screen time, and completely avoid screens an hour before bedtime.
This is a critical study that points to the importance of conducting long-term studies on how important sleep is in children… – said Albert Reese, one of the researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.
A child’s nighttime sleep is related to how much time they sleep during the day. Many children can be seen withdrawing from daytime naps by the age of five. It is the parents’ responsibility to ensure that such children get an early night’s sleep. Parental support is important for young children to get a good night’s sleep.
The first thing to do is to ensure that the children have a soft mattress for sleep. A room without any other unwanted noises can be chosen for sleep. Clean bed sheets and pillow covers are very important for sleep. Experts say washing bedsheets and pillowcases at least once or twice a week is important for a good night’s sleep.
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Last Updated Aug 2, 2022, 1:10 PM IST