From http://www.sleepreviewmag.com

Sleep Problems in Children May Predict Adolescent Mood Disorders

It is never too early to teach children good sleep habits. In fact, recent research indicates, the sooner the better. Researchers at the Child Guidance Clinic of the Institute of Mental Health in Singapore have found that eating and sleeping problems in children are associated with later adolescent-onset mood disorders. The research team followed 164 children over a period of 20 years and found an association between irregular sleeping and eating schedules in childhood and psychological conditions, such as anxiety and major depression, during adolescence. They did not find this association between eating and sleeping problems in childhood with adult-onset mood disorder. The researchers concluded that identifying such problems during childhood might serve to predict subsequent mood disorders among adolescents. Experts have long recommended that parents structure a regular sleep schedule for children. On the National Sleep Foundation’s Web site, Daniel Lewin, PhD, writes: “Regular bedtime routines, a regular sleep schedule, and clear and consistent limit setting are the key factors that help a child fall asleep at night. Most children up to the age of 6 should be able to fall asleep between 7 pm and 8:30 pm. Six- to 11-year-olds may fall asleep between 7:30 pm and 9 pm, and teenagers should be able to fall asleep between 9 pm and 10:30 pm.” In its 2004 and 2006 Sleep in America polls, the National Sleep Foundation found widespread sleep deprivation in children aged newborn to 10 years and 11 to 17 years, respectively. The new Singapore study shows that parents are wise to make good sleep habits a priority from day one.