Lack Of Sleep In Infants Linked To Overweight
A study reported in Archives and Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine (April 2008) showed that infants who sleep less than 12 hours per day had a significantly higher risk for obesity.
The study surveyed parents of 915 children ages six months to three years old on the number of hours their children slept each day. Researchers also examined the role that daily television viewing played in infant's sleep patterns and weight. Results showed a teo-fold higher prevalence of overweight among infants who sleep less than 12 hours per day. Twelve percent of the short sleepers had become overweight by age three, as compared to seven percent of those who got normal sleep.
In addition, the study revealed more hours of daily television viewing were found to be associated with shorter sleep duration, and in turn, with a higher risk for overweight.
The study surveyed parents of 915 children ages six months to three years old on the number of hours their children slept each day. Researchers also examined the role that daily television viewing played in infant's sleep patterns and weight. Results showed a teo-fold higher prevalence of overweight among infants who sleep less than 12 hours per day. Twelve percent of the short sleepers had become overweight by age three, as compared to seven percent of those who got normal sleep.
In addition, the study revealed more hours of daily television viewing were found to be associated with shorter sleep duration, and in turn, with a higher risk for overweight.
