new link to childhood obesity

Children who don't get enough sleep are more likely to be overweight according to a recent study.

This is not the first time I have read studies that show a link between poor sleeping habits and childhood obesity.

We are not sure why there is a correlation but I know that when I don't get enough sleep I am sluggish.  So perhaps kids who don't sleep enough are less active during the day.  Maybe because they are less active, they may be snacking more frequently.

New research is starting to indicate that not enough sleep may be altering the child's natural metabolic rate.  Metabolic rate effects how fast or slow we burn calories.

Especially if you think about the fact that kids need more sleep because they are growing.  So less sleep can be even more dramatic on their body, energy levels and even appetite.

You might be wondering how much sleep does a child need?  this might surprise you

1-4 Weeks Old: 15 – 16 hours per day

1-4 Months Old: 14 – 15 hours per day

1-3 Years Old: 12 – 14 hours per day

4-12 Months Old: 14 – 15 hours per day

3-6 Years Old: 10 – 12 hours per day

7-12 Years Old: 10 – 11 hours per day

12-18 Years Old: 8 – 9 hours per day

(source for recommended hours:  WebMD)

Resources:

Why You Should Not Put Your Child on a Fad Diet

Helping Your Overweight Child- Support and Resources for Parents

Health implications of childhood obesity

Setting healthy goals as a family

Lack of early childhood sleep linked to childhood obesity