Sleep Deprivation in Children Poses Significant Health Risks: Study Reveals Importance of Adequate Rest
A good night’s sleep has many proven benefits — potentially including a healthier future for kids. New research from Penn State University analyzed how childhood sleep patterns could be linked to future substance use. Researchers at the university found that adolescents who went to bed later and slept fewer hours during their childhood were more likely to have consumed alcohol or marijuana by the age of 15.
The study, published in the journal Annals of Epidemiology, looked at data of 1,514 children from 20 cities across the U.S., focusing on sleep duration and bedtime in different developmental stages. Parents involved in the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study, from where the data was obtained, recorded their children’s bedtimes at ages 3, 5 and 9, as well as sleep duration at 5 and 9.
The results showed that teens were 45% more likely to try alcohol by age 15 if they had a later bedtime at age 9. Bedtime at age 5, however, wasn’t associated with future alcohol use, nor was sleep duration at either age.
Meanwhile, a later bedtime at age 5 was associated with a 26% increased likelihood of marijuana use by age 15. Sleeping an hour less at age 9 led to a 19% increased chance of trying marijuana during adolescence. 15-year-olds also reported their bedtime, sleep duration, and substance use, which revealed that those with a later bedtime had a 39% increased chance of drinking alcohol and a 34% chance of trying marijuana.
Adolescents who slept one hour less increased their odds of trying alcohol by 28%, but there was no association with marijuana.
In a statement sent to Fox News Digital, study co-author David A. Reichenberger, PhD — a researcher in the Department of Biobehavioral Health at Penn State — noted that the study only included participants who had complete data, “so that we could assess the effects across time within the same set of kids.”
“Overall, the implications of our results suggest that sleep may play a crucial role in whether children engage in substance use as teens,” he said.
Dr. Wendy Troxel, a senior behavioral and social scientist at RAND Corporation in Park City, Utah, shared with Fox News Digital how this study adds to growing evidence that sleep problems may lead to “risky health behaviors” later in life.
“These findings are consistent with my work conducted with my RAND colleagues, showing that poor sleep health in adolescence longitudinally predicts increases in alcohol and marijuana use in early adulthood,” she said.
“Importantly, this new data suggests that sleep problems even earlier in life can predict substance use during adolescence — a critical inflection point for the onset and exacerbation of drug and other alcohol use.”
Sleep problems may increase the likelihood of substance use due to affected decision-making, impulse control, and emotion regulation skills, according to Troxel.
The researchers suggested that going to bed later could impact school-aged children’s ability to sleep well.
By ensuring that children get adequate and high-quality sleep, we may protect long-term health and encourage positive health behaviors later in life. The implications of the study suggest that sleep plays a crucial role in whether children engage in substance use as teens.
Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of addressing sleep problems using multi-level strategies, including family-based programs and public policies, such as later school start times, to promote sleep health in childhood and adolescence.
Subheadings:
Importance of Adequate Sleep for Children’s Health
Sleep Deprivation and Substance Use in Adolescents
Strategies to Promote Healthy Sleep Habits in Children
Importance of Adequate Sleep for Children’s Health
Sleep is essential for the overall health and well-being of children. Adequate sleep plays a crucial role in their physical, emotional, and cognitive development. According to experts, children aged 6 to 12 years old should aim for 9 to 12 hours of sleep per night, while teenagers aged 13 to 18 years old should get 8 to 10 hours of sleep daily.
Research has shown that insufficient sleep in children can lead to a variety of health issues, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular problems. Additionally, lack of sleep can impact their mood, behavior, and academic performance. It is important for parents to prioritize their children’s sleep and establish healthy sleep habits from a young age.
Sleep Deprivation and Substance Use in Adolescents
The recent study from Penn State University sheds light on the relationship between childhood sleep patterns and future substance use in adolescents. The findings revealed that children who had later bedtimes and shorter sleep durations during their early years were more likely to engage in alcohol and marijuana use by the age of 15.
The study emphasized the importance of adequate and high-quality sleep in protecting long-term health and promoting positive health behaviors. Adolescents with disrupted sleep patterns may be at a higher risk of engaging in risky behaviors, such as substance use, due to impaired decision-making and emotional regulation skills.
Strategies to Promote Healthy Sleep Habits in Children
To ensure that children get the necessary amount of sleep for their age, parents can implement various strategies to promote healthy sleep habits. Some tips include establishing a consistent bedtime routine, creating a sleep-friendly environment, limiting screen time before bed, and encouraging physical activity during the day.
In addition to parental involvement, schools and communities can also play a role in promoting healthy sleep habits among children. Implementing later school start times, educating students about the importance of sleep, and providing resources for families to address sleep issues can contribute to improving children’s overall well-being.
Overall, prioritizing sleep in childhood is crucial for promoting long-term health and well-being. By recognizing the impact of sleep on children’s development and implementing strategies to support healthy sleep habits, we can help ensure that future generations lead healthy and fulfilling lives.
