EDS in children may indicate wider health issues
18/05/2011
Youngsters who frequently doze off during the day could be suffering from serious health problems, researchers from Pennsylvania State College of Medicine have discovered.
The team identified that obesity, anxiety, depression and even asthma can make kids more prone to excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS).
Experts highlighted that although research has been conducted into the impact of these health problems on adults, few studies have assessed sleeplessness in children.
"Our study indicates that EDS is highly prevalent in children, a symptom that may adversely affect daytime functioning," commented Edward Bixler, professor of psychiatry at the school.
He also warned that this could lead to a decline in academic performance, so efforts need to be made to pinpoint these health issues before they can have an impact.
Research from Columbia University recently found that children from urban minority backgrounds are more likely to be reluctant to go to bed than the rest of the population.
Posted by Michael Ewing
