A new study is showing that 1 in 3 children in America isn’t meeting general requirements for sleep, NBC reports. The trend is similar in the U.K., where, BBC reports, 1 in 4 teens is sleep deprived.
According to the AAP, children ages 3 to 5 should be getting between 10 to 13 hours of sleep, children from ages 6 to 12 should be getting from nine to 12 hours, and teens should be getting eight to 10 hours.
The study examined the responses of almost 50,000 parents to questions about how much sleep their children were getting; how interested and engaged they were in school, homework and other learning; and how well they handled their emotions when faced with challenges. All these factors have been founded to link to mental health and risky behaviors, according to the study.
After examining the data they collected, researchers found sleep deprived kids aren’t just tired, they’re less socially capable, have more behavioral problems and are less mentally healthy.
And, NBC reports, sleep deprivation can also mimic ADHD and cause teens to fall asleep at the wheel.
Previous studies have also linked sleep deprivation to weight gain, as it affects the hormones controlling appetite, according to the Sleep Foundation.
How can parents help? According Science Daily, another recent study by researchers at the University of Rochester found the best thing parents can do is set clear bedtimes, even for teens.
NBC also suggests parents limit exposure to screens near bed time and make sure their children get enough light and exercise during the day.