[sonicl]

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/19102006/35...ood-sleep.html

Rising levels of obesity may be linked to a lack of sleep in childhood, researchers have claimed.

Children and adolescents are getting fewer hours of sleep than they used to and this affects the levels of hormones that control appetite and energy expenditure, the study found.

Dr Shahrad Taheri from Bristol University blames shorter sleep periods among youngsters on increased use of televisions, mobile phones, internet mesage boards and computers.

His research suggests that most TV viewing by children happens near bedtime, and can disrupt sleep.

Writing in the Archives of Disease in Childhood from the British Medical Journal, Dr Taheri said that removing electronic gadgets from children's bedrooms could be part of a strategy to tackle obesity.

"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," he said.

"An obesity prevention approach in children and adolescents that promotes a healthy diet, physical activity and adequate sleep could be adopted.

"Good sleep could be promoted by removing televisions and other electronic items from children's bedrooms and ensuring a strict, regular bedtime routine.

"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."


Right you lot! Bed! NOW!!!