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Here is some new research on sleep:
1) In a study by Garrison M et al. we see a pattern of screen time affecting sleep. Most of this will come as no surprise, but should reinforce our need to rectify any issues.
They noted that of 612 children age 3-5 years old that had a TV in their bedroom, watched scary/violent movies or video games and watched TV in the evening had 1 or more sleep issues 5+ times per week compared to non watchers. Children averaged 73 minutes of screen time per day. The most common issues were delayed sleep onset, nightmares and daytime somnolence.
These are easy problems to rectify. I for one do not enjoy a cranky, sleep deprived child.
Pediatrics 2011 July;128:29
2) In a study by Carter PJ et al. we have another no brainer. They looked at 244 children aged 3-7 years old and analyzed sleep duration versus obesity as measured by BMI and fat composition.
For each additional hour of sleep per night there is a corresponding 61% reduction in the risk of being overweight at 7 years of age. increased weight gain was directly related to increased fat deposition.
There is a likely epigenetic effect that causes a change in hormones that increase fat deposition.
British Medical Journal 2011 May 26;342:d2712
Bottom line: Sleep more and eat less. Specifically, reduce flour and sugar based foods in your kids. Sports drinks especially are not necessary for most athletes. Marathoners and other endurance athletes are likely the only one's with a case for some need. Imagine the issue with a child plating baseball, running a little, sitting in the dugout and consuming three G2's. Calories in far exceed calories burned. Increased sugar hypes him up and he can't sleep. Oh! The cycle that begins.
Give them water and fruit.
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