Long days lead to less time in bed
27/07/2010
Long days in summer mean that children spend less time in bed, posing a potential long-term risk for teenagers.
Increased exposure to sunlight in the early evening delays the onset of nocturnal melatonin - the body''s chemical that lets us know when it''s time for bed, explains Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Lighting Research Center associate professor Mariana Figueiro.
She said that this extended exposure adds to difficulties that adolescents have falling asleep in their beds at a decent time.
Combine this with having to get up early for school and the effects can be sleep deprivation, mood changes, higher risk of obesity and even under-performance in school, professor Figueiro added.
"This is a double-barrelled problem for teenagers and their parents," she commented.
"In addition to the exposure to more evening daylight, many teens also contend with not getting enough morning light to stimulate the body''s biological system, also delaying teens'' bedtimes."
The news comes after the Sleep Council warned that sleep loss can lead to mental problems and depression.
Posted by Michael Ewing
