A new study has linked a lack of sleep to high blood pressure in children and teens.
So how can parents make sure their kids are getting enough sleep to stay healthy?
鈥淪tart decreasing screen time about two hours before bed and lower the dimness on the devices,” said Kaiser Permanente pediatrician Dr. Christina Brown. 鈥淭he blue light from these screens turns off the body鈥檚 natural melatonin, which is the hormone that helps you sleep.”
The content on the screen matters, too.
鈥淒epending on what you are looking at, reading bad news, or watching something scary 鈥� those things can affect your blood pressure,鈥� Brown said. 鈥淪leep is not just an unconscious state. There is a lot happening when you are asleep. Your body is producing different hormones. There is different brain activity going on.鈥�
Brown encouraged physical activity along with a healthy and balanced diet, but said an early morning workout is better for sleep: 鈥淵ou don鈥檛 want to work out too late at night or it can affect your sleep at night as well.鈥�
With record high temperatures in D.C., Brown said to also make sure your child鈥檚 bedroom is not too warm.
鈥淚t鈥檚 very important to keep the bedroom environment cool, dark and quiet,” she said.
Routines also play an important role in your children getting enough sleep.
鈥淗aving a consistent bedtime routine every day with calming activities, such as reading or soft music can help,” Brown said.
She said bedtime stories are also a good idea, “as long as it doesn’t involve a tablet or a screen.”
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