Most children need at least nine hours of sleep a night, but often get inadequate amounts with poor consequences. And while some sleep disorders can be fixed with medical treatment, sleep patterns raise important issues for educators. As children move into adolescence, they tend to get less sleep per day. Overall, the researchers found that disturbed sleep was more common than many thought.
This study is published in the recent issue of the Journal of School Health. Media wishing to receive a PDF, please contact JournalNews@bos.blackwellpublishing.com
Journal of School Health is published ten times a year on behalf of the American School Health Association. It addresses practice, theory, and research related to the health and well-being of school-aged youth.
Howard Taras, MD is a professor at the University of California, San Diego's Division of Community Pediatrics. He is immediate past chairperson of the American Academy of Pediatrics' Committee on School Heath. Dr. Taras is available for media questions and interviews.
Journal of School Health