Unfortunately, there is no evidence that sleeping in on the weekend will help adults lose weight, but Dr. David Gozal has just published a study in the journal Pediatrics that suggests sleeping in on the weekends may help children fight obesity. The study looked into associations between short sleep duration, obesity, and metabolic dysfunction. The study found that children’s sleep averaged eight hours a night regardless of weight and that those who slept for less time were at an increased risk for metabolic dysfunction. (The National Sleep Foundation recommends children 5-12 years old sleep for 10-11 hours per night.) Less time sleeping was a greater factor for metabolic issues than obesity.
308 children aged 4 to 10 wore wrist monitors for one week when sleeping as well as undergoing BMI and blood tests. One interesting finding is that obese children slept for shorter time periods on the weekend and showed irregular sleep patterns. Other children were more likely to “catch up” on sleep over the weekend. The children who seemed at the greatest health risk were the ones with shorter and variable sleep patterns.
The researchers concluded that sleeping more on weekends and holidays can help children mitigate the factors of sleeping less on weeknights as a result of changes in our society, but recommended regular sleep patterns when possible. Parents must monitor their children’s sleep and be careful not to overestimate the amount of sleep they receive. Of course, many parents are tempted to quote Proverbs 6:9 to their children, “How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep?”
Comments
I'll be sleeping ALL weekend!
Depending on the child, of course, but a sleeping child on the weekend promoted sanity, Bible study, prayer time and even personal time for frivolity . I have no research to back it up, but from personal experience sleeping children are a blessing.
Interesting
@ Janice - as someone with a child who isn't sleeping right now I couldn't agree more!
It is unfortunate that you cannot sleep your way skinny!! Oh well, at the least you can catch up on rest!
I love the whole concept of sleep! Luckily, my little boy appreciates it, too. :)
Children sleeping in.... isn't that an oxymoron?!!!!
Well I do love my sleep and I believe any child who sleeps in on weekends is a smart one. And if they don't believe me I'd print this article out for them and show them the risk they are taking by not allowing their bodies a rest!! :) Loved the article... Keep Writing.. Will check back to see more interesting studies...
Interesting.....I am not really sure what to think. My thiner child does sleep (and always has) more than my other child. Hmmmm....
If my daughter is anything like me (LOVES to sleep) then she should be skinny as she grows up. Unfortunately, if she is like me in other ways (NOT SKINNY) then she won't. Deep thoughts...
Thanks for the comments! Of course there are so many factors that influence obesity and overall health. Sleep is one of many things. I do believe that consistent sleep is better than trying to "catch up" on the weekends.
If only my kids would let ME sleep in!
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