What are the effects of too little sleep?
Experts say that most children and adults do not get enough sleep each night, and many suffer from the psychological and physical effects sleep deprivation, including: • Difficulty paying attention, learning new information and performing at school and work • Increased mood swings, fatigue, irritability, impulsivity and behavior problems, difficulties in relationships and depression • Increased rates of injuries • Decreased immunity and ability to fight infections • Increased rates of overweight, diabetes and heart disease There is also a strong connection between children’s sleep and their parents’ sleep and health. A recent study from Australia, published in the May 2007 issue of Pediatrics, found that the parents of children with sleep problems were themselves more likely to suffer from physical and mental health problems. The authors concluded that improving children’s sleep could improve both the children’s and their parents’ mental and physical health. How can we help children ge
