Go to sleep… Toddlers who sleep less than ten hours a day tend to gain weight more than those who sleep 13 hours. A study from University College London found that sleep-deprived babies gain 10% more calories than good sleepers. The test was done on 2,500 infants aged 16 months. Their diet was observed for five months. The researchers found that babies who slept less than 10 hours a day swallowed 105 more calories than those who slept 13 hours a day.
The increased appetite of babies with sleep deficit is a problem. They are more exposed in adulthood to the risk of overweight and associated diseases.
Why are babies who sleep less hungry? The reason is not very clear. Scientists favor a hormonal hypothesis. Lack of sleep could indeed disrupt hormones that regulate appetite.
This study is the first to link insufficient sleep in babies to weight gain. His teaching should help parents to be more vigilant about respecting baby’s sleep needs.
