The report emphasizes that both parents and children would benefit from better education on sleep hygiene and support for establishing healthier sleep habits
A recent survey has highlighted a troubling trend among Australian children, with nearly half reporting difficulties in maintaining healthy sleep patterns. According to the study conducted by Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital, 42% of Australian children aged 5-17 experience issues like trouble falling asleep and waking up during the night.
The problem is more pronounced among younger children, with 45% of those aged 5-12 reporting sleep disturbances, compared to 37% of teenagers aged 13-17. The survey also found that 21% of Australian children do not get enough sleep on a regular basis.
A major contributor to sleep issues is screen time, with 44% of teenagers admitting to using screens in bed during the hour before going to sleep. Despite this, 47% of parents believe that screen time before bed helps children wind down.
This misconception may contribute to the widespread sleep difficulties among children. The survey further revealed that many parents hold mistaken beliefs about sleep needs. Almost half of the parents surveyed think that too much sleep is detrimental to teenagers, while 40% believe that teens need significantly less sleep than younger children. Additionally, half of the parents assume that letting teenagers sleep in on weekends can make up for lost sleep during the week.
The report emphasizes that both parents and children would benefit from better education on sleep hygiene and support for establishing healthier sleep habits. Without sufficient and quality sleep, children may face a range of physical and mental health problems, such as poor cognitive function, mood disturbances, and a weakened immune system. Over time, chronic sleep deprivation can lead to more serious health issues, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
