Lack of Sleep Raises Obesity Risk Fourfold in Kids

A new study looking at sleep duration¹ in 1,138 children age 6 found that less than 10 hours of sleep on a regular basis increased the risk of obesity 420 percent. This study adds to a significant body of literature that indicates a lack of sleep is an independent risk factor for becoming overweight (not just poor diet and a lack of activity).

In the study, body mass index (BMI) was measured at ages 2.5 and 6; sleep duration was reported each year. Children this age need 10-12 hours sleep. Getting less than 10 hours of sleep is clearly a problem.