July 6th, 2016
Weekly Chatter
AASM Publishes Recommended Sleep Guidelines for Kids
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recently published suggested guidelines for how much sleep is enough sleep for children by age. The recommendations are as follows:
  • 4 - 12 months: 12 - 16 hours per 24 hours, including naps.
  • 1 - 2 years: 11 - 14 hours per 24 hours, including naps.
  • 3 - 5 years: 10 - 13 hours per 24 hours, including naps.
  • 6 - 12 years: 9 - 12 hours per 24 hours.
  • 13 - 18 years: 8 - 10 hours per 24 hours.
 
Whereas not getting enough sleep each night is associated with an increase in injuries, hypertension, obesity and depression, especially for teens who may experience increased risk of self-harm or suicidal thoughts;  adequate sleep on a regular basis leads to improved attention, behavior, learning, memory, emotional regulation, quality of life, and mental and physical health.

Pediatricians are encouraged to discuss these recommendations and healthy sleep habits with parents and teens during clinical visits.  Consider sharing the above information and following patient information handouts in your practice:
Headaches in Children and Teens
According to a recent study, a high percentage of children, teens and young adults with migraines appear to have mild deficiencies in vitamin D, riboflavin and coenzyme Q10 -- a vitamin-like substance found in every cell of the body that is used to produce energy for cell growth and maintenance

Girls and young woman were more likely than boys and young men to have coenzyme Q10 deficiencies; whereas, boys and young men were more likely to have vitamin D deficiency.

Findings suggest that further studies are needed to determine whether vitamin supplementation is effective for treating migraines in young people, though researchers note that vitamin supplementation is generally good for one's health. 

For helpful information to share with patients or on your practice page, view the patient information handout, Headaches.
It's Never Too Early or Too Late #WeeklyBlogPost
Parents must make an active effort to teach and guide their children because the world may pull them in directions that are not best for them. Fortunately, it's never too early or too late for parents to lead, guide, and walk beside their children.

For more on teaching and guiding children in the right direction, click here  and leave a comment. We love to hear from you!

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