According to a recent study, kids and adolescents who sleep fewer hours than recommended are very likely to become overweight or obese, as lack of sleep considerably raises risks of poor eating habits and eating disorders. The new research was conducted by a team of scientists at the Bristol University and their findings are due to be published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood Journal.

Lead researcher of the study Shahad Taheri from the Bristol University warned that kids and teens who do not get enough sleep have high chances of suffering metabolic changes which can trigger - besides obesity - diabetes, insulin resistance and even heart disease. This is why he advises both parents and offspring to avoid keeping 'distracting objects' in their bedrooms, such as TV sets, computers, mobile phones etc.

Lack of sleep brings about health disorders because the body of young people is continually developing and - if they do not rest properly - this results in appetite and energy expenditure disorders. For instance, as shown in the 2004 study of Taheri, adults who sleep only 5 hours per night present 15% higher levels of the ghrelin hormone (hunger hormone) in their bodies than their normal-sleeping peers. These short-sleepers are also deprived of energy, as they have 15% less leptin in their bodies (a hormone which signals lack of energy.)

Previous studies conducted in the same field also showed that 30-months aged infants who do not get enough sleep are very likely to become obese until they turn 7 years of age. Also, children and teens who wake up tired because they did not get a sufficient and good night's sleep have very low chances of staying active because they are not able to exercise on a regular basis.

Shahad Taheri concluded by stating that, even if lack of sleep is not the only key-trigger of obesity, it should not be overlooked and taken into account in weight loss programs: "Sleep is probably not the only answer to the obesity pandemic. But its effect should be taken seriously, as even small changes in energy balance are beneficial."