More evidence that children who get less sleep and are later to bed are at greater risk of disease and obesity. A study published by Janice F. Bell, PhD, MPH, of the University of Washington School of Public Health in Seattle, and Frederick J. Zimmerman, PhD, of the University of California Los Angeles shows that children who get less sleep are more prone to obesity. Nothing new here but its worth saying again and again for parents who continue to allow their children to stay up late at night.

"Getting less sleep at night predisposed kids younger than 5 at study enrollment to overweight or obesity five years later" stated Bell. Fewer hours of sleep also correlated with weight for older kids up to age 13.

Interestingly, simply getting your child to get to bed earlier may actually treat childhood obesity. Napping however had no effect. We are hardwired to sleep when the sun goes down. Our circadian rhythm which is controlled by the suprachiasmatic nuclei promotes hormonal pulses that allow children to stay lean and grow properly. It also reduces carbohydrate urges during the day.

When you combine proper sleep with physical activity you are gifting your child with a future devoid of disease and obesity. I could go on quoting the statistics from the study but all that needs to be said is this. If you are a parent and you are allowing your child to stay up late to watch a favorite TV show , get caught up on homework, or just because you don't feel like putting up with the fuss.... you are derelict of your paternal duties. Why not just let them smoke cigarettes?