Sleep Problems Threaten Children’s Health

WORLD SLEEP DAY 18 MARCH 2011 PRESS RELEASE

Sleep Problems Threaten Children’s Health

Sleep problems are not just limited to adults, poor sleep affects about 25% of children and lack of quality sleep can lead to obesity, moodiness, aggression, irritability and hyper-activity, and decreases learning which can impact school performance.

World Sleep Day promotes healthy sleep for infants and children of all ages
this Friday 18 March 2011.

Research shows that we spend up to a third of our lives sleeping. Sleep is a basic human need, much like eating and drinking and is crucial to our health. World Sleep Day is designed to raise awareness of sleep as a human need that is often compromised by the habits of modern life. A good night’s sleep is vital for the health and wellbeing of people of all ages. This is the message the World Association of Sleep Medicine (WASM) will be promoting during the fourth-annual World Sleep Day on Friday 18 March 2011. Organised by the World Sleep Day Committee (co-chaired by Antonio Culebras and Liboro Parrino), this worldwide event is a platform for medical professionals to deliver the message of the importance of healthy sleep to the public.

Sleep problems constitute a global epidemic affecting up to 45% of the world’s population. Insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), restless legs syndrome (RLS), and sleep deprivation significantly impact physical, mental and emotional health, in addition to affecting work performance and personal relationships. Sleep problems are not limited to adults. Poor sleep affects about 25% of the world’s children. Lack of quality sleep in children can lead to:

- Obesity
- Accidental injury
- Moodiness and emotional problems
- Aggressiveness and impulsivity
- Irritability and frustration
- A change in activity levels (appearing “hyper” or “low energy”)
- Decreased memory, attention, learning and reasoning, which can impact
school function

"Sleep is of vital importance for children of all ages,” says Dr. Alex Bartle, a New Zealand based GP specialising in Sleep Medicine. “Making sure that your children get a good night’s sleep will help them to function at their best, both at home and at school. Sleep like exercise and nutrition is essential for metabolic regulation in children and there is evidence for a link between sleep duration and obesity.”

To help improve children’s sleep and overall wellness, WASM has created the
10 Commandments of Healthy Sleep for Children:

1. Make sure your child gets enough sleep by setting an age-appropriate bedtime and wake-time.
2. Set consistent bedtime and wake-up times on both weekdays and weekends.
3. Establish a consistent bedtime routine and recommend wearing comfortable clothes in bed, including strong absorbing diapers for infants.
4. Encourage your child to fall asleep independently.
5. Avoid bright light at bedtime and during the night and increase light exposure in the morning.
6. Keep all electronics, including televisions, computers and mobile phones, out of the bedroom and limit use of electronics before bedtime.
7. Maintain a regular daily schedule, including consistent mealtimes.
8. Have an age-appropriate nap schedule.
9. Ensure plenty of exercise and time spent outdoors during the day.
10. Eliminate foods and beverages containing caffeine. The World Association of Sleep Medicine is committed to researching and solving sleep problems in both children and adults. It dedicates its efforts in 2011 to educating the world on important sleep topics, including improving the sleep of both adults and children.

More information regarding World Sleep Day on 18 March 2011 can be found online
www.worldsleepday.org

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