The information was pulled from 21 study sites in the United States and grouped into two categories.
For both groups, researchers looked at kidsmental health, behavioral problems, and brain functioning.
They looked at results for those same children two years later.
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He notes that the findings are concerning for kids and parents.
Eventually, they may lead to irreversible health issues in adulthood, Dr. Wang advises.
Younger children who are sleep deprived have a greater chance of poor neurobehavioral function.
Helping kids get enough sleep requires taking a look at whats keeping them up at night.
Along with activities to keep them busy, technology vies for their time.
Adolescence is a critical time for brain development.
The rapid change of brain structure and function makes it highly vulnerable to alterations such as sleep deficit.
The corresponding negative effects may accumulate or become enlarged, leading to irreversible changes, Dr. Wang notes.
Its not just long-term issues that are cause for concern.
There are consequences every day of inadequate sleep.
Creating those boundaries early helps to set expectations for the future.
I think they need to be aware of how you balance activities and school requirements.
Because so many kids are overscheduled at this point, states Dr. Alvord.
She notes that managing technology is also key.
Kids and parents really [need to] check that there arent screens in the bedroom.
Breathing exercises, reading a book, or calming music can help.
Ultimately, kids are going to follow their parents example.
And this is where they can really have an impact.
They have to model it for them.
They have to talk about how important sleep is.
Parents are role models.
Its not just what we say, its what we do, Dr. Alvord concludes.
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Children’s Hospital Colorado.Insufficient sleep in children.
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Pew Research Center.Children’s engagement with digital devices, screen time.
