A recent study reveals poor sleep habits significantly impact children’s blood pressure. Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania analyzed 539 children, averaging 14.6 years old, and found that those who went to bed earlier and slept longer had lower blood pressure. Conversely, children who stayed up late exhibited worse blood pressure parameters.
Dr. Amy Kogon, the study’s lead author, emphasized the importance of sleep in managing hypertension in children. The study suggests that sleep duration should be considered alongside diet and physical activity when addressing blood pressure issues. The research also noted that longer sleep duration was linked to a blunted "nocturnal dipping," the expected drop in blood pressure during sleep.
High blood pressure affects about one in seven adolescents, increasing the risk of stroke and heart attack. Children between the ages of 9-10 on average should sleep 8-12 hours a night with the average being around 10. Addressing sleep quality and duration is essential for improving health outcomes in children.
SOURCE:
Fox News, June 19, 2024