Children and Sleep

A child’s risk of adult obesity may be linked to sleep deprivation.   According to researchers, more than 1,000 people were followed from birth to 32 comparing those with too little sleep to those that were well-rested.  The results found that those children that received fewer than 11 hours of sleep each night over the years, were more likely to have a Mass Body Index higher than those that received adequate sleep.  Experts agree that the optimum amount of sleep for children ages 5 to 12 is 11 hours and for teenagers, 8.5 to 9.5 hours. 

The best way to ensure that children are getting enough Zs is to establish bedtime routines.  Utilize a few simple steps that you follow each and every night.  Begin with a quiet activity that signals that the evening is winding down.  Many parents find that a warm bath, followed by a story help set the tone for bedtime.  Whatever your routine, be consistent and follow through.  A well-rested child is a happy child and could possibly be a more fit and trim adult.

For more information on health insurance coverage in North Carolina, please visit our website at www.nchealthplans.com or call our toll free number 888-765-5400 and speak with one of our qualified agents.  Our agency provides coverage for health insurance in North Carolina through Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC).  You may qualify for a 15% healthy lifestyle discount if you are in excellent health.  Call us for details.

*Study statistics gathered from Pediatrics, November 2008.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, November 4th, 2008 at 12:00 pm and is filed under Health & Nutrition. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.