Sleep deprivation 'may lead to illness'

Feb 5 2009 The Journal

Bedtime worries

STRICT children’s bedtimes are now largely a thing of the past.

Now a study at Durham University’s Sleep Lab is looking at whether staying up later and a variety of bedtimes has an effect on children’s health.

Anthropology Professor Helen Ball said that modern living, often with both parents working, meant that children could sleep in a variety or places – such as with grandparents or former partners.

"There can be a lack of structure and consistency about children’s sleep and there could be implications for the long-term health of children," she said.

"At one time children would go to bed at 7pm but now perhaps working parents want to spend time with them and keep them up later.

"Bedtimes are much more random these days and some children can have a chaotic sleep schedule."

One aim of the study is to see if the lack of a sleep structure is linked to children’s infections.