A recent study by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) showed 52% of children are not getting enough sleep. Responses from 49,050 surveyed parents and caregivers with children ranging in age from six to seventeen years old, indicated that children who get 9 hours or more of sleep were more likely to demonstrate measures of childhood flourishing in comparison to children who did not.

Childhood flourishing markers included showing interest and curiosity in learning new things, doing all required homework, caring about doing well in school, working to finish tasks started and demonstrating a combination of all of the listed flourishing measurements.

A study conducted prior to this research suggests that children with more flourishing markers are less likely to participate in risky behavior. At-risk behavior is anything that causes future negative consequences such as poor health or injury.

"Chronic sleep loss is a serious public health problem among children," said abstract author Hoi See Tsao, MD, FAAP. "Insufficient sleep among adolescent, for example, is associated with physical and mental health consequences including increased risk of depression and obesity and negative effects on mood, attention and academic performance." 

Increasing efforts to help children get the recommended amount of sleep for their age is an important step in enhancing their development and giving them a brighter future. Limiting digital media usage and incorporating a bedtime routine are two easy ways to help your child get the sleep they need.

FoundCare offers pediatric and adolescent care. To schedule an appointment please call 561-432-5849.

References: (American Academy of Pediatrics. "Only half of US children get enough sleep during the week." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 25 October 2019. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/10/191025075604.htm>.)

To read more about this study please visit:  www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/10/191025075604.htm