Sleep

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I would like to discuss something that is very important to our health but which many of us (children and adults) do not get enough of-sleep.

We all understand that sleep is necessary for us to feel refreshed and to perform at our best. In ways that we do not fully understand, sleep renews our bodily systems and allows them to operate at peak efficiency. If we do not get sufficient sleep (either insufficient length of sleep or poor quality of sleep), we have difficulty being at our best.

There are several ways in which lack of sleep can affect children. For example, children who do not get sufficient length or quality of sleep are more likely to have difficulties with attention and concentration and may demonstrate hyperactive or fidgety behaviors. These problems may adversely affect a child's ability to learn or behave appropriately in the classroom.

Lack of sleep can impair the function of the immune system. Studies have suggested that persons who get less than the desired amount of sleep are more likely to get sick than persons who get more sleep. The amount of sleep one gets does not change his exposure to illness. However, inadequate sleep may make it more likely that a person will get sick when exposed to the illness. This point may be worth remembering as we contemplate the expected return of the novel N1H1 (swine flu) virus.

Sleep may also be related to childhood obesity, which has reached epidemic proportions in this country. Children who do not get enough sleep are more likely to be overweight or obese than children who do get enough. While we do not know if poor sleep actually causes obesity, sleep may affect hormones that increase or decrease hunger. We also know that vigorous physical activity promotes good sleep. Thus, exercise and sleep are interrelated when it comes to weight control. Of course, there are many other risk factors for obesity besides insufficient sleep.

How much sleep are children supposed to get? This depends on the age of the child and varies by child. Preschool-aged children need at least 11 hours of sleep overnight. Children 5-10 years old need at least 10 hours. Children ages 10 years and older should get at least nine hours.

If you have any concerns about your child's sleep, you should discuss them with your pediatrician.