Lack of Sleep Linked to Childhood Obesity and Overall Body Fat Increase

Does your child get enough sleep? If he doesn't, then his health may be affected. Scientists have found that there may be a link between reduced sleep and childhood obesity, which could mean that getting a good night's rest could be crucial for your child's wellbeing.

"Our study found convincing evidence that getting less than recommended amounts of sleep across early childhood is an independent and strong risk factor for obesity and adiposity," said Elsie Taveras, one of the researchers, in a news release. "Contrary to some published studies, we did not find a particular 'critical period' for the influence of sleep duration on weight gain. Instead, insufficient sleep at any time in early childhood had adverse effects."

Several studies have found evidence of an association between sleep and obesity in young children. Yet few have examined the effects of constant sleep deprivation across time, or used measures other than body mass index (BMI). That's why the researchers decided to investigate a bit further.

The scientists analyzed data from Project Viva, a long-term investigation of the health impacts of several factors during pregnancy and after birth. The study followed children from birth to when they were seven years old. Among the questions asked was how much sleep the children received both at night and during daytime naps. In addition, the researchers took measurements that not only included height and weight, but also total body fat, abdominal fat, lean body mass, and waist and hip circumferences.

So what did they find? The researchers discovered that the children with the lowest sleep scores had the highest levels of all body measurements. This, in particular, reflected obesity and adiposity. Lower sleep scores were also associated with children in homes with lower incomes, less maternal education and among racial and ethnic minorities.

"While we need more trials to determine if improving sleep leads to reduced obesity, right now we can recommend that clinicians teach young patients and their parents ways to get a better night's sleep-including setting a consistent bedtime, limiting caffeinated beverages late in the day and cutting out high-tech distractions in the bedroom," said Taveras in a news release.

The findings are published in the journal Pediatrics.