Regular bedtimes and adequate sleep during childhood may contribute toward a healthy weight in the teen years, a new study finds.
The study included nearly 2,200 children in which one-third of them had consistent, age-appropriate bedtimes between ages 5 and 9, according to their mothers.
According to the Penn State study, compared to that group, those who had no bedtime routine at age 9 got less sleep and had a higher body mass index (an estimate of body fat based on height and weight) at age 15.
The study co-author and the director of the Sleep, Health and Society Collaboratory at Penn State, Orfeu Buxton in a U iversity news release said, parenting practices in childhood affect physical health and Body Mass Index (BMI) in the teenage years adding that developing a proper routine in childhood is crucial for the future health of the child.
“We think sleep affects physical and mental health, and the ability to learn,” he added. The findings highlight the importance of educating parents about children’s bedtimes.”
He added that several factors should determine bedtimes which include; what time the child must get ready for school, how long it takes to get there and the school’s start time.
“Giving children the time frame to get the appropriate amount of sleep is paramount. Bedtime should be set to give the child an adequate amount of sleep, even if he or she doesn’t fall asleep right away,” he explained.
