Kiwi pre-teens bank their sleep
Observational study: A study in which the subject is observed to see if there is a relationship between two or more things (eg: the consumption of diet drinks and obesity). Observational studies cannot prove that one thing causes another, only that they are linked.
People: This is a study based on research using people.
Getting a good night's sleep is key for learning and development, but there is growing concern over the amount of sleep young people get throughout the week. A team of New Zealand researchers have investigated the sleep habits of a group of 11-13-year-old school children in Christchurch. Using a standardised sleep health questionnaire and seven-day sleep diary, the researchers found that 71% of the163 participants banked the recommended 9–11 hours of sleep per night. However, kids who used mobile device before bedtime were less likely to score as much sleep as non-device users. The researchers suggest parental guidance, with respect to bed times and reduction in device usage before sleep, could help improve sleep in this age group.
Journal/conference: New Zealand Medical Journal
Organisation/s: University of Otago
