Sleep is just as important for children as nutrition and exercise are. However, many parents don’t consider how sleep affects different aspects of a child\u2019s health now and later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dr Manvinder Singh<\/a> Sachdev and his team at Nanhe Dil \u2013 The Child Heart Centre often see how lifestyle-related cardiac risk factors in children are caused by disrupted sleep. In cardiology, sleep is important for blood pressure and metabolism control, and for emotional regulation and cardiovascular system development, thus sleep is invaluable in preventive heart care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While many people think sleep is a time for the body and mind to take a break, sleep is the time for the body to repair and balance itself. The heart rate slows, blood pressure lowers, and stress hormones decrease during sleep time, which gives the heart a break and blood vessels a chance to rest. Dr Manvinder Singh Sachdev explains how sleep allows the cardiovascular system to recuperate from the demands of the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not getting enough sleep is bad for kids\u2019 blood pressure, emotions, and weight. On the other hand, getting good sleep is good for kids\u2019 blood pressure, emotions, weight, and overall wellbeing. Chronic sleep deprivation makes things even worse, causing dysregulation of the heart and other body systems. Not getting enough sleep also increases long term heart disease risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Children who sleep poorly are at risk for high blood pressure, hormonal imbalances, obesity, increased stress, irregular heartbeats, and more. In fact, sleep deprivation is one of the big players when it comes to increased risk for cardiovascular strain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When a child is sleep deprived, appetite hormones become disrupted. This makes kids eat unhealthy foods that will cause weight gain. This is a cycle because highly unhealthy kids almost always have sleep deprivation issues. The extra weight makes obesity more likely. Hypertension, diabetes, and unusual cholesterol are just some of the conditions that these kids have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Poor sleep weakens mood, ability to pay attention, and ability to tolerate stress. Increased stress hormones can cause strain on\u00a0the heart. The cardiovascular system can also become more stressed. Among other things, keep in mind that good sleep is needed for emotional wellbeing and heart health. This is something that is especially important during the developmental years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dr. Manvinder Singh Sachdev advises parents to ensure age-appropriate sleep duration:<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Ways Poor Sleep Affects Children\u2019s Hearts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Ways Sleep Affects Emotional S<\/strong>tress<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Recommended Sleep Duration For Children<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n