Weekend lie-ins keep teens slim
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New research suggests lazing in bed at the end of a busy week is just what children need to ward off obesity.
The scientists, who studied children aged five to 15, found those who slept in on Saturdays and Sundays were much less likely to have weight problems.
They believe the weekend snooze is crucial for school-age children to catch up on the sleep they miss out on during a busy week.
In the process, it helps to regulate calorie intake by reducing snacking during waking hours.
The findings, published in the journal Paediatrics, add to earlier research that showed a link between regular sleep deprivation and obesity.
It is well known that lack of sleep and disturbed sleep patterns causes obesity as they affect the body's natural metabolism and also encourage snacking to ward of tiredness.
But this is believed to be the first time researchers have found lying in at the weekends is important to help 'reset' a child's sleeping patterns.
The scientists, who studied children aged five to 15, found those who slept in on Saturdays and Sundays were much less likely to have weight problems.
They believe the weekend snooze is crucial for school-age children to catch up on the sleep they miss out on during a busy week.
In the process, it helps to regulate calorie intake by reducing snacking during waking hours.
The findings, published in the journal Paediatrics, add to earlier research that showed a link between regular sleep deprivation and obesity.
It is well known that lack of sleep and disturbed sleep patterns causes obesity as they affect the body's natural metabolism and also encourage snacking to ward of tiredness.
But this is believed to be the first time researchers have found lying in at the weekends is important to help 'reset' a child's sleeping patterns.
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