Even kids suffer from sleep deprivation

(CNN) -- Experts say children need at least nine hours of sleep a night to ensure good health. But chances are, they're not getting that much.

"Adequate sleep is associated with good health and performance, as well as fewer accidents -- an even more critical issue when children reach adolescence and need to be aware of the dangers of drowsy driving," said Dr. Claude Lenfant, director of the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute in Washington.

A component of the National Institutes of Health, the NLHBI is launching a five-year educational initiative to promote healthy children's sleep habits. The effort, co-sponsored by Garfield creator Jim Davis' PAWS Inc. studio, will target parents, teachers and health care providers.

Sleep problems have been estimated to affect about 70 million Americans of all ages. The consequences of inadequate sleep include tiredness, lack of focus, irritability, frustration and impulsive and emotional behavior.

According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, there are a number of signs that children are having sleep problems:

• Frequent awakening during the night
• Talking during sleep
• Difficulty falling asleep
• Waking up crying
• Daytime sleepiness
• Nightmares or bedwetting
• Teeth grinding or clenching
• Early waking

Sleep problems can be related to poor sleep habits or anxiety over sleep. Problems can include nightmares, sleepwalking, sleep talking and night terrors. Children who sleepwalk may appear to be awake, but they are actually asleep and may get hurt, according to the academy. Sleepwalking usually begins between the ages of 6 and 12 and affects boys more often than girls.

Among older children and teenagers, sleepwalking can even take place several times a night, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. The disorder tends to run in families.

Most often, sleep problems are single or occasional episodes. But when problems are persistent and interfere with daytime activities or behavior, it may indicate emotional difficulties and the possible need for an evaluation.

"Sleep disorders are often not recognized in children, and symptoms related to sleep deprivation may be erroneously attributed to hyperactivity or behavior disorders, to boredom with school or today's hectic lifestyles" said Dr. Carl Hunt, director of the National Center on Sleep Disorders Research.

The campaign's theme is "Sleep Well, Do Well," and the goal is to encourage at least nine hours of restful sleep each night.

"The message is that getting enough sleep each night will help you do your best in whatever you do," said Hunt. "This speaks to (a child's) need for achievement -- in school, in sports, in whatever is important to them."

As part of the educational initiative, sponsors held a Garfield "Star Sleeper" contest, inviting children to submit entries as to how they would end a comic strip featuring a sleep-deprived Garfield the cat.

Winners were Katie Seamon, 10, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Xavier Powers, 8, of Alliance, Ohio; and Danny Strohman, 8, of Duluth, Minnesota.

"It is our hope that early intervention with sleep education messages will help our youngsters understand the importance of sleep," said Frederick Brown, associate executive director for professional services at the National Association of Elementary School Principals.

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Sleep experts to teens: Please get your zzz's
September 28, 2000
Naps: The art of snoozing
January 13, 2000

National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: Sleep information
Garfield.com
American Academy of Pediatrics
American Academy of Sleep Medicine
National Association of Elementary School Principals
World Public Charter School
National Center on Sleep Disorders Research

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