Can Your Child's Sleep Habits Make Him Gain Weight?
New research shows that a lack of sleep in childhood can contribute to obesity later on.
Want your kids to get more sleep? Amy Jordan, PhD, director of the Media and the Developing Child sector of the Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania, offers these tips.
Turn off the TV. "Television doesn't effectively transition the child from being awake to being asleep," says Jordan. Studies show children who watch TV in the hour before bedtime stay up later and have a more difficult time falling asleep.
Shut down screen time. Light from computer, TV, and video game screens is disruptive to children's sleep/wake cycles. Experts theorize lit screens delay production of melatonin, which is necessary for sleep.
Snuggle up with a book. Reading -- even for five minutes -- creates a reassuring pattern, giving children a stable routine before bed.
Monitor media. Research shows that children exposed to frightening content have a more difficult time falling and staying asleep.
Can Your Child's Sleep Habits Make Him Gain Weight?
New research shows that a lack of sleep in childhood can contribute to obesity later on.
Helping Your Children Sleep More
Want your kids to get more sleep? Amy Jordan, PhD, director of the Media and the Developing Child sector of the Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania, offers these tips.
Turn off the TV. "Television doesn't effectively transition the child from being awake to being asleep," says Jordan. Studies show children who watch TV in the hour before bedtime stay up later and have a more difficult time falling asleep.
Shut down screen time. Light from computer, TV, and video game screens is disruptive to children's sleep/wake cycles. Experts theorize lit screens delay production of melatonin, which is necessary for sleep.
Snuggle up with a book. Reading -- even for five minutes -- creates a reassuring pattern, giving children a stable routine before bed.
Monitor media. Research shows that children exposed to frightening content have a more difficult time falling and staying asleep.
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