Poor sleep can lead to obesity in young children

Hebe Aguilira on Flickr

Young children who do not get enough sleep are at a higher risk of being obese by age 7.

A recent study from Massachusetts General Hospital looked at the sleep habits of over 1,000 children.  The children's mothers were questioned about their children's sleep three times between the ages of 6 months and seven years.  Then, at age 7 the children's height, weight, and abdominal and body fat were measured. 

“Our study found convincing evidence that getting less than recommended amounts of sleep across early childhood is an independent and strong risk factor for obesity and adiposity,” says Elsie Taveras, MD, MPH, chief of General Pediatrics at MGHfC and lead author of the study.  “Contrary to some published studies, we did not find a particular ‘critical period’ for the influence of sleep duration on weight gain.  Instead, insufficient sleep at any time in early childhood had adverse effects.”

Tavares acknowledged that more research in this area needs to be done.  She recommends that "clinicians teach young patients and their parents ways to get a better night’s sleep – including setting a consistent bedtime, limiting caffeinated beverages late in the day and cutting out high-tech distractions in the bedroom.  All of these help promote good sleep habits, which also may boost alertness for school or work, improve mood and enhance the overall quality of life.”

More tips on establishing good sleep habits are available from WebMD and the Cleveland Clinic.

The study, Chronic Sleep Curtailment and Adiposity, is published in the journal Pediatrics.

©Mary M Conneely T/A Advocacy in Action