Children Who Sleep Less Have More Behavior Problems

Preparing for the New School Year…

Children Who Sleep Less Have More Behavior Problems

Local Expert Gives Tips to Improve Kids’ Sleep

Monthly Essay Contest Seeks Ideas About Clean Air

NORWOOD, MASS. (Issued FALL 2013) -- Parents hoping their children will do well in school may want to do a little homework of their own before the new school year begins.

A study of 9,000 children reported in the Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics that shorter than average sleep times may contribute to ‘externalizing’ behavior problems in young children. Dr. Rebecca J. Scharf of the University of Virginia wrote, "Preschool children with shorter night time sleep duration had higher odds of over-activity, anger, aggression, impulsivity, tantrums, and annoying behaviors."

Respiratory Therapist Philip Alkana of Attleboro, Mass., Clinical Care Specialist of Reliable Respiratory based in Norwood, Mass., notes that research has shown that children require at least 9 uninterrupted hours of sleep each night in order to perform at top capacity at school. He offers these tips to ensure youngsters get a deep sleep:

·        Establish a regular bedtime and routine (such as reading). No vigorous activity.

·        No electronic devices should be in the bedroom. No stimulating TV shows before bed.

·        The room should be dark and cool.    

·        Avoid caffeine.

The Journal report said children who had a high score for behavior problems watched more than two hours of television daily. As sleep duration increased, troubling behaviors decreased.

Monthly Essay Contest Offers $250 Savings Bond

In an effort to motivate students to think about the effects of pollution and the importance of keeping our air clean, Reliable Respiratory has announced a monthly essay contest open to students from elementary school to college age. The deadline is the last day of the month. Winners will need to give permission to use their names in publicity, and the essays become property of the company. Complete rules can be found at www.ReliableRespiratory.com.

Entries can be sent via e-mail to: Support@ReliableRespiratory.com (on the subject line write:  RR Essay Contest;  or via U.S. Mail: Attn: Essay Contest, c/o Reliable Respiratory, 1502 Providence Hwy., Suite 10, Norwood, Mass. 02062; or dropped off at Reliable’s headquarters marked ‘Attn: ‘Essay Contest’

Reliable Respiratory is a leading supplier of CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) units for people with sleep disorders and nebulizers for people suffering from asthma and other lung diseases. Since 2004, Reliable has been accredited by The Community Health Accreditation Program, Inc. (CHAP), meeting the organization’s Standards of Excellence. For more information, visit www.ReliableRespiratory.com. 

-        By Stanley Hurwitz  (508-269-0570) /    stanhurwitz@gmail.com

sleep for kids  0813  smh