Previous studies have found a link between not getting enough sleep and an increased risk of obesity in adults and new research this month suggests that sleep deprivation could be a powerful factor for obesity in kids as well. A new study in the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine found that toddlers that got less than 10 hours of sleep per night were almost twice as likely to become overweight or obese later in life. Kids more than 5 years old didn’t show the same result; naps had little effect on later obesity in either group. It’s not clear exactly why toddlers who don’t get enough sleep have a higher risk of becoming obese later in life, but getting toddlers to bed on time looks like it’s a good idea.
By the way, insufficient sleep in adults has been linked to developing diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity and depression. Our latest BRFS Survey found that only about 30% of AZ adults consistently get enough sleep. Are you yawning today?
