By Nicki Anderson

There is no doubt that a good night’s sleep can be a great cure all. However, if you’ve experienced sleep deprivation you know it can be the difference between a highly productive day and a throw away day. Children are not immune to the ill effects of inadequate sleep. Between their daily deluge of technology and overbooked schedules, sleep is often compromised. A poor nights sleep may not only affect their daily performance, it may also trigger health issues that as a parent, you may not be aware of.

Sleep is much more than simply an 8 hour time out. In fact, sleep is a necessary “activity” that helps growing bodies to build more competent brain function. Each stage of sleep has a unique role in acquiring and storing memories which ultimately promotes better proficiency in every day mental and physical tasks for kids.

In addition to keeping the mind of children in tip-top shape, sleeping does the same for their body. Researcher Elizabeth Vandewater at the University of Texas found that children who sleep less weigh more than children who get a good night’s sleep. But excess weight is just one of the many ways inadequate sleep can affect a child’s health.

Health Risks from Lack of Sleep

According to Valley Sleep Center in Arizona, they’re a myriad of risks from lack of sleep.

• Lack of sleep reduces a child’s ability to interact both mentally and physically with their peers. Their body is less likely to keep up with the day’s activities resulting in poor performance in school and social interactions.

• Although scientists haven’t proven the connection between limited sleep and stunted growth, there does seem to be a relationship between sleep and hormone release which is imperative for proper growth.

• An overtired child is an unhappy child and lack of sleep takes cranky up to a whole new level. If you’ve experienced an overtired child, you know it’s as hard on the parent as it is the child. However, kids with little sleep reduce their ability to handle their emotions, hence falling apart at seemingly inappropriate times.

• Poor sleep reduces your child’s immune system, especially during cold and flu season. So make sure your child gets the necessary z’s to stay healthy.

• New research shows there may be a link between persistent sleep difficulties in childhood and mental health problems like depression, anxiety disorders, and alcohol abuse later in life. More research needs to be done to confirm these new findings but either way, adequate sleep is a vital part of keeping children healthy and productive.

• Studies note increased aggression in children is often the byproduct of inadequate sleep. As mentioned earlier, lack of sleep compromises social interactions which can manifest into anger.

Stay tuned for part 2 of this article…..

– Nicki Anderson is the health and fitness columnist for Chicago Suburban Newspapers, Tribune Company/Naperville Magazine and contributor to numerous magazines and websites including, MSNBC.com, Forbes.com and FitnessMagazine.com, Real Simple, Prevention, Women’s Health and Women’s’ Running, Men’s Health and Fitness. Nicki also writes for chicagoluxurybeds.com