Too Little Sleep Increases Kids’ Diabetes Risk

Does your child sleep less than 9 or 10 hours each night? He could be increasing his diabetes risk.

Kids aged 4-10 who slept the least amount and had the most irregular sleep patterns were not only more than four times as likely to be obese (a major diabetes risk factor), but they were also more likely to have altered levels of insulin, LDL (bad) cholesterol and C-reactive protein, which measures inflammation and heart disease risk.

Past studies have also found that skimping on sleep or getting poor sleep raises blood sugar levels, reduces your sensitivity to insulin and increases your diabetes risk. One study even found that after three nights without deep sleep young adults suffered a decrease in insulin sensitivity equivalent to that caused by gaining up to 30 pounds!

How much sleep do kids need?

In the latest study, kids slept an average of 8 hours a night. But those whose metabolic function was most disrupted slept just 6.5 hours a night on average, while those with the healthiest metabolic profile slept 9 or 10 hours.

This is right in line with the recommendations from the National Sleep Foundation, which suggests school-aged children (5-12 years) need 10-11 hours of sleep a night to function optimally. Yet, schoolwork, social activities, TV, video games, computers, and even caffeine consumption often interfere with a good night’s sleep for kids in this age range. As a result, sleep problems are common.

Remember that, like adults, kids need to have a regular sleep schedule to keep them on track, so try to establish a regular bedtime and wake-time that remains the same on weekdays and weekends. Your child’s bedroom (again like your own) should also be a “sleep sanctuary” that is dark, quiet and kept reasonably cool (cooler is better for sleeping) … and you’ll want to make sure your child is not able to stay up late watching TV or surfing the Web.

For more sleep tips for kids of all ages, check out these sleep tips from the National Sleep Foundation. And remember, getting a good night’s sleep is not just to avoid a crabby attitude in the morning — it could help to lower your child’s risk of obesity and chronic disease, including diabetes.

Pediatrics January 24, 2011

EmaxHealth.com January 24, 2011

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The Functional Endocrinology Center of Colorado is passionate about improving the lives and lifestyles of individuals with Type II Diabetes and Hashimoto’s Disease. Call us at 303-302-0930 to schedule your complimentary consultation.