Nearly 50% of Children in Australia Struggle with Sleep Patterns
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Synopsis
A recent survey reveals that almost 50% of Australian children face sleep issues, including trouble falling asleep and waking during the night. The findings highlight the need for increased education on sleep hygiene for parents and children alike.
Key Takeaways
- 42% of children aged 5-17 have sleep issues.
- 21% of Australian children do not get enough sleep.
- 44% of teens use screens before bedtime.
- Education on sleep hygiene is essential.
- Lack of sleep can lead to serious health issues.
Sydney, Feb 12 (NationPress) Nearly half of the children in Australia are facing issues with their sleeping patterns, according to a recent survey.
Conducted by researchers from Melbourne's Royal Children's Hospital, the survey revealed that 42 percent of Australian children aged 5-17 experience challenges with their sleep, such as trouble falling asleep and waking up during the night.
Among the younger demographic of 5-12 years, 45 percent struggle with sleep issues, in contrast to 37 percent of teenagers aged 13-17.
The survey also highlighted that 21 percent of Australian children do not receive adequate sleep.
Furthermore, it was discovered that 44 percent of Australian teenagers engage with screens in bed within an hour of bedtime, while 47 percent of parents think that screen time before sleep aids in winding down.
According to the report, “This study has shown that sleep pattern issues are prevalent among Australian children, spanning from younger children to teens.”
Surprisingly, almost half of the parents surveyed incorrectly believe that excessive sleep is detrimental for teenagers, and 40 percent wrongly assume that teens require significantly less sleep than primary school-aged children.
The report added, “Half of parents believe that sleeping in on weekends compensates for insufficient sleep during the week for teens.”
It emphasized the necessity for parents and children to receive more education on sleep hygiene and support to adopt healthy sleep practices, as reported by Xinhua.
Failing to secure enough quality sleep can lead to sleep deprivation. This condition occurs when individuals do not achieve adequate rest, often due to lifestyle choices, work pressures, and health issues. Insufficient sleep can significantly impact both physical and mental health, resulting in problems such as impaired brain function, mood disorders, and a compromised immune system. While many experience sleep deprivation occasionally, persistent lack of sleep can contribute to serious long-term health complications, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
