Every good parent worries about their kids getting enough sleep. It generally becomes quickly obvious that lack of adequate good quality sleep has a negative impact on the emotional and physical well being of kids. Kids generally do not perform nearly up to the level of their capability in school without enough healthy sleep. Doctors Health Press reports on Sept. 7, 2015, the impact of stress in kids may be explained by poor sleep.
The researchers think that the a buffering of the cortisol levels in kids may be impacted by getting a good night’s sleep. Cortisol is a hormone which is responsible for the regulation of the metabolic system, cardiovascular system, and immune system. It is believed that exposure to high levels of cortisol over long periods of time may increase the risk of heart disease, weight gain, and depression.
In this study the cortisol levels of 220 school kids between the ages of eight and 18 were measured in saliva samples. Questions about sleep habits were than asked of the kids and their parents. It was found by the researchers that poor sleep quality in kids was associated with negative cortisol levels regardless of length of time spent sleeping.
Concordia University reports that sleep really does matter for kids, particularly when they are under stress. Poor sleep may very well explain how stress impacts the health of kids. It seems a good night’s sleep may protect kids from the impact of stress on the cortisol level of kids. Although short-term exposure to cortisol is important in helping the body prepare for the “fight or flight” response, long-term exposure to cortisol may create a risk for serious health problems.
Jinshia Ly, who is the lead author of the study, explains that sleep quality includes considerations of sleeping all night without waking up, a feeling of being rested in the morning, and the absence of sleep problems, such as apnea, snoring, and nightmares. The quality of sleep is distinguished from sleep duration by the researchers.
It is suggested that kids sleep 8 to 9 hours a night. This should be kept in mind as the school year begins with all of its anticipated stress. A good nights sleep along with other healthy lifestyle behaviors such as good nutrition and daily exercise can decrease the negative consequences of stress on the cortisol levels of kids. Kids should be educated about the importance of sleep habits which are regular and healthy.
This study has been published in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology. It appears that poor sleep may offer a pathophysiological pathway by which stressful experiences disrupt the diurnal cortisol profile in children. The association between stressful experiences and the diurnal cortisol profile in kids appears to be driven primarily by the quality of sleep instead of the quantity of sleep. The bottom line is good quality sleep certainly is important for the well being of kids.
Credit : Dr. Vikas Dua (Bone Marrow Transplant Specialist, Hematologist, Hemato Oncologist- 13 Years of Experience)
