How late-night technology leaves children too drowsy for school

Bedtimes used to be a simple affair.

When children’s television finished at 5.50pm, so began a well-rehearsed routine. Once homework was done and PE kits sorted for the next day, it was off upstairs for a bedtime story.

Not any more. According to the results of a new survey, more than half of children aged over six admit they stay up late playing computer games, browsing the internet, texting their friends and watching television. Nearly half of all children don’t follow anything resembling a bedtime routine at all.

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In fact, the average respondent in the study of more than 2,000 children aged between six and 15 went to bed at 11.20pm.

As a result of sleep deprivation, the majority said they found it difficult to concentrate at school, and eight out of 10 reported extreme daytime tiredness, to the extent that more than a quarter admitted to falling asleep in class at least once a week.

“It’s very easy if they’re quiet upstairs to think that they’re asleep, when actually they’re on the computer or watching TV in their room,” says children’s sleep specialist Andrea Grace. “It’s so easy to stay up and do something on the internet or play a game – doing these things give children a false energy, making them feel energised and awake even when they’re tired.”

The quality of people’s sleep is affected by the hormone melatonin, which is secreted during darkness.

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“If children fall asleep with a computer on in the background, or near light from some other technology, it will affect the quality of their sleep, even if they fall asleep at a reasonable time,” adds Grace. “Parents need to think about whether their children are sleep deprived and if so, take steps to start a very simple bedtime routine again.”

While the nightly bedroom battle will be familiar to many parents, persistence and a determination to show the child resistance is futile is key.

“Sometimes it’s really worth the battle,” says Grace. “If you say everything off at 9pm, or whatever the appropriate time is for the age of your child, if you can weather the storm and give rewards and praise for doing it, they’ll feel better and parents will too, as they’re in control and they’re helping to improve their children’s wellbeing.”

Grace and the recent report which was compiled by Travelodge say children normally need between 10 and 12 hours sleep a night, although it drops slightly in the teenage years.

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However, Professor Colin Espie, director of the University of Glasgow Sleep Centre, insists that there’s “no one-size fits all” time period for sleep.

“Parents should know how much sleep their children need, just like they should know how much food they need,” he says.

“There are individual differences. Most parents know that even their own kids are different from each other at exactly the same age. As parents we expect to figure most things out – and it does take time. Quoting norms at particular ages absolutely isn’t helpful, but parents aren’t taking sleep seriously enough.

“Sleep isn’t a lifestyle option but, like breathing, is absolutely essential. Adequate sleep is required for the brain to function at its best. Healthy living needs to take not just diet and exercise but also sleep into account.

“So far sleep has been greatly neglected as a public health issue, but it’s absolutely vital that we address this problem now.”

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