In a study of so-called “contagious” behavior, U.S. researchers have found a link between sleep deprivation and drug use in teen social networks.
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A sound sleep is very important for keeping you healthy and live longer. Getting the right amount of sleep is vital because proper sleep reduces risk of unwanted weight gain, normalizes the metabolism and keeps the body fit, fresh and energized. One of the most important things for a pregnant woman is to be able to sleep well. And yet this seems like a very difficult task.

Pregnancy often has a significant impact on a woman’s quality of sleep, particularly during the first and third trimesters. Lack of proper sleep during late pregnancy can significantly impact a woman’s delivery. Studies show that women who receive inadequate sleep during the last month of pregnancy may be at increased risk of a longer period of labor or require delivery by Caesarean section (C-section). In many cases, women who experience sleep disruption during the first trimester have better sleep during the second trimester. Read the rest of this entry →

Sleep is no less important than food, drink, or safety in the lives of children. Sleep is the power source that keeps your mind alert and calm Sleep promotes alertness, memory and performance. Children who get enough sleep are more likely to function better and are less prone to behavioral problems and moodiness. Most research states that a good 8 to 9 hours a night is sufficient for most school aged children.

Sleep is a vital need, essential to a child’s health and growth. A bedtime ritual makes it easier for child to relax, fall asleep and sleep through the night. Children need the proper amount of sleep consistently each night to lead a productive day. Sleep not only provides an opportunity for the body to physically rest, it also consolidates a brain or reinforces what a child has learned or observed during the day. Read the rest of this entry →

Sleep is important especially in growing and developing children. Sufficient sleep is an important part of healthy child development. Sleep promotes alertness, memory and performance. Poor sleep habits can influence child diet, moods, cognitive skills, and ability to carry out daily chores.

Children often have sleep problems. Children with sleep problems are more likely to be inattentive, hyperactive, impulsive, and display oppositional behaviors. There are many reasons why children have disrupted sleep. Some are very simple and easy to remedy while others are more serious and would require a visit to their doctor.

Common issues with sleep in children are following:

• Nightmares often occur at times of transition, stress or change in a child’s routine. Nightmares usually begin when a child is about three years old, they are most common between the ages of three and eight when their fantasy life is more active and they are most likely to occur later in the night and are remembered the next day.
• Night terrors are more frightening for parents; occur most frequently from 4-8 years of age. Night terrors usually occur a few hours after your child has gone to sleep, at which time you may wake up to your child’s crying or screaming. Waking or comforting the child is usually not helpful as it prolongs the event. You should see that he is safe and do not try to wake him up. He will usually settle himself down after a few minutes.
• Sleepwalking is very dangerous in the sense that the child can fall from the balcony or from the stairs. It is not necessary to wake a child up that is sleepwalking. In many cases the condition of sleepwalking is solved as the child becomes matured.
• Sleep Apnea is a serious disorder in which there are pauses in breathing during sleep. Children with sleep apnea may snore loudly, experience restless sleep and be sleepy during the day.
• Other sleep problems faced by children include, bed wetting, insomnia, snoring, waking up often during the night and even faking the sleep. These disorders in sleep habits for children can be frustrating not only for the family but also for the children themselves.