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19/10/2006
Obesity linked to lack of sleep
Rising levels of childhood obesity may be linked to a lack of sleep, a leading UK researcher has claimed.
Bristol University’s Dr Shahrad Taheri has said that children are getting less sleep due to increased use of televisions, mobile phones and computers and this leads to weight gain, due to hormonal changes.
The report has been released in an attempt to warn the government of the dangers of sleep-deprivation, which should be taken as seriously as diet and exercise to fight obesity.
He said: “Sleep is probably not the only answer to the obesity pandemic, but its effect should be taken seriously, as even small changes in energy balance are beneficial.
“An obesity prevention approach in children and adolescents that promotes a healthy diet, physical activity and adequate sleep could be adopted.”
Dr Taheri’s research has found that most children watch TV before bedtime, which in turn is affecting their sleep.
His study has also indicated the level of ghrelin, a hormone released by the stomach to signal hunger was 15% higher in people who only have five hours sleep, in comparison to those who sleep for eight hours.
“Good sleep could be promoted by removing televisions and other electronic items from children’s bedrooms and ensuring a strict, regular bedtime routine,” he suggested.
“Ensuring adequate sleep in children and adolescents may not only help fighting against obesity, but could have other added health and educational benefits – for example improvements in academic performance.”
(JM)
Bristol University’s Dr Shahrad Taheri has said that children are getting less sleep due to increased use of televisions, mobile phones and computers and this leads to weight gain, due to hormonal changes.
The report has been released in an attempt to warn the government of the dangers of sleep-deprivation, which should be taken as seriously as diet and exercise to fight obesity.
He said: “Sleep is probably not the only answer to the obesity pandemic, but its effect should be taken seriously, as even small changes in energy balance are beneficial.
“An obesity prevention approach in children and adolescents that promotes a healthy diet, physical activity and adequate sleep could be adopted.”
Dr Taheri’s research has found that most children watch TV before bedtime, which in turn is affecting their sleep.
His study has also indicated the level of ghrelin, a hormone released by the stomach to signal hunger was 15% higher in people who only have five hours sleep, in comparison to those who sleep for eight hours.
“Good sleep could be promoted by removing televisions and other electronic items from children’s bedrooms and ensuring a strict, regular bedtime routine,” he suggested.
“Ensuring adequate sleep in children and adolescents may not only help fighting against obesity, but could have other added health and educational benefits – for example improvements in academic performance.”
(JM)
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