Good sleep patterns help avoid Childhood Obesity

Young children who do not get enough sleep, even with consideration of lifestyle factors had an increased risk of becoming overweight.

A group of 244 children took part in The Family Lifestyle, Activity, Movement and Eating (FLAME) study in Dunedin, New Zealand. Each participant was monitored every 6 months, from age 3 to 7 years, recording of their weight, height, body mass index (BMI), and body composition were measured every six months from 3 to 7 years of age.  At age 3, 4, and 5 participants where monitored for body movement, physical activity and sleep and diet and was completed.

The results of the New Zealand research concluded that young children who sleep less than 11 hours a day are at a significantly increased risk of having a higher BMI by age 7, even after controlling for other risk factors for weight gain.

Each additional hour of sleep per night at age 3 to 5 years was associated with a reduction in BMI of 0.49 and a 61% reduction in the risk of being overweight or obese at age 7.

Brain Gym, developmental movement for retained reflexes with simple sensory processing activities, can offer additional support calming and better quality sleep for all ages.

Journal Reference:
BMJ-British Medical Journal (2011, May 27).
Children who sleep less are more likely to be overweight, study finds.

ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com­ /releases/2011/05/110526205103.htm