Many of the standard entertainments enjoyed by modern youth, including TV and computer games, are increasingly seen as an important factors in sleep disorders in young people.
fast food has also been pointed out as a factor in sleeplessness among children.
Interactive video games can leave children feeling over excited, and, when coupled with sugary or high carbohydrate fast food, do not leave the mind in a state conducive to relaxation and sleep.
the light, sound and interactivity of TV and computer games acts as a stimulus and should be avoided in the run up to periods of relaxation or sleep.
these activities should be avoided at least one hour before a regular bed time Many have commented that the circumstances are brought about by poor parenting methods with both parents working long hours, often leaving children to amuse themselves, frequently in front of a screen, in the evenings.
also, the perception among parents of growing dangers to children playing outside the home has led to many parent allowing their children to spend their leisure time in front of a screen where they can be loosely monitored.
These problems are often established early on in life and can go on to influence performance in school and cause other behavioral issues later on.
The UK national health service recently reported a 26 per cent increase over the past five years in sleep related breathing problems, insomnia and sleep-walking in children under 11 years.
these figures are thought to be symptomatic of a far greater problem and greater increase, as many more cases will go untreated or unreported.
Broader studies have linked poor sleep patterns to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and poor performance in schooling.
some studies suggest that as many as one in five cases of diagnosed ADHD are a result of sleep problems that cause hyperactivity.
Recommendations for good sleep practices for children:
fast food has also been pointed out as a factor in sleeplessness among children.
Interactive video games can leave children feeling over excited, and, when coupled with sugary or high carbohydrate fast food, do not leave the mind in a state conducive to relaxation and sleep.
the light, sound and interactivity of TV and computer games acts as a stimulus and should be avoided in the run up to periods of relaxation or sleep.
these activities should be avoided at least one hour before a regular bed time Many have commented that the circumstances are brought about by poor parenting methods with both parents working long hours, often leaving children to amuse themselves, frequently in front of a screen, in the evenings.
also, the perception among parents of growing dangers to children playing outside the home has led to many parent allowing their children to spend their leisure time in front of a screen where they can be loosely monitored.
These problems are often established early on in life and can go on to influence performance in school and cause other behavioral issues later on.
The UK national health service recently reported a 26 per cent increase over the past five years in sleep related breathing problems, insomnia and sleep-walking in children under 11 years.
these figures are thought to be symptomatic of a far greater problem and greater increase, as many more cases will go untreated or unreported.
Broader studies have linked poor sleep patterns to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and poor performance in schooling.
some studies suggest that as many as one in five cases of diagnosed ADHD are a result of sleep problems that cause hyperactivity.
Recommendations for good sleep practices for children:
- Avoid TV and computer games for at least one hour before going to bed;
- Remove electronic distractions (such as tv, computers and games consoles) from the bedroom;
- Establish a regular bed time routine and maintain the routine through thick and thin.
do each part of the routine (for example, wash time, brush teeth, read a story, bed and lights out) at the same every night.
where possible the routine should also include a regular waking time and routine; - Be consistent and strict with both yourself and your child when it comes to bedtime;