Media Release
July 19, 2005
Kids behaving badly? Sleep could be the solution
Kids who act up may have bad sleep to blame for their bad behaviour. A new study has found that kids with behavioural issues are five times more likely to have sleep problems such as night terrors, sleep walking, sleep talking, difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep, and daytime sleepiness.
“Poor sleep equals poor behaviour, no matter how we looked at it,” explains Dr Sarah Blunden of the University of South Australia’s Centre for Sleep Research.
The year-long UniSA study found that every child with a behaviour problem had a sleep issue. Researchers also discovered that kids who don’t get a good night’s sleep do worse in school and are more likely to need remedial teaching.
“There’s not a single classroom in the world that doesn’t have kids with behavioural problems,” Dr Blunden said.
“These kids are not living up to their potential and it could be as simple as sleep.”
In otherwise healthy children, experts say improving sleep may be the easiest way to improve behaviour and better academic performance.
Dr Blunden has these tips for better sleep:
“The most important thing is for kids to have a regular bedtime and a regular wake time, which shouldn’t be more than an hour later than usual on weekends and holidays.
“You should also keep TV’s and computers out of kids’ rooms – they’re a stimulant and a temptation to stay awake, and they could affect your child’s ‘sleep’ hormones.”
Many parents may also be surprised to learn that spicy or salty foods in the evening, such as pizza, can affect sleep and cause your kids to wake up in the middle of the night because they’re thirsty.
Experts also recommend a quiet bedroom that’s not too hot or too cold and a good bedtime routine, such as reading a book to younger children or letting older kids listen to calming music with the lights out before bed.
“If parents make the effort to improve their kids’ sleep, they should see big benefits – not just for that child, but the entire family.”
Contacts for interviews
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Dr Sarah Blunden mobile 0414 700 953 email sarah.blunden@unisa.edu.au
Media contact
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Tess van Straaten mobile 0412 102 662 email tess.vanstraaten@unisa.edu.au