Make Bedtime Sleep Time for Children, Teens Develop Good Sleep Hygiene, Invest in Good Mattress

La Palma, CA (PRWEB) March 21, 2008 -- American teens and children are starved for sleep, say the nation's researchers. And as a result, they are gaining weight, losing ground in school and putting themselves in harm's way as they drive, play sports and navigate their way to adulthood.

Indeed, a 2004 study by the National Sleep Foundation found that the average American child gets less sleep than recommended on a daily basis, and that 85% of teens get too little sleep nightly. Sleep deprivation can lead to increased injury during sports and normal routines, can prevent children from getting ample exercise and can impact judgment while driving or biking/skating. Sleep deprivation in children and teens has also been linked to obesity.

Researchers point to too-little sleep (vs. an increase in sleep disorders) as a root cause of the growing sleep deficit among America's youths.

"We are seeing more and more parents coming to our stores looking for sleep help with their children and teens," said April Vance, BSN, MSPT, Ergonomic Specialist and owner of Relax The Back stores in Nashville, TN. "Sleep deprivation is showing up in children as young as five, and parents are seeking help to turn the problem around." Owners and managers of the company's 120 specialty stores focus on sleep-friendly products and therapies.

"Our first recommendation is always to make sleep a priority," said Vance. "We know that by changing a few habits, a person's sleep can improve exponentially." Among the recommendations by Relax The Back and sleep experts:

?Young sleepers need good mattresses, too. Twin mattresses are often considered "temporary" beds, even for children and teens who may be sleeping on them for 10 years or more. Relax The Back suggests that families look to youth bedding as an important investment in good health. A good mattress will support a child's growing body, reduce exposure to allergens and eliminate shakes and shimmies that can lead to wakefulness. For older children and teens, consider an extra long twin mattress.

?Turn Off, Tune Out: Children and teens often have televisions, computers, video games and other electronics in their rooms. These items do more than stimulate their brains - they can also reset circadian rhythms and cause sleeplessness. Parents are advised to move electronics to common areas, and devote bedrooms to sleep.

?Set a Routine: Young people may fight bedtime, but maintaining a regular "lights out" improves sleep by night - and mood and performance by day. Make bed a welcoming place by ensuring that mattresses and pillows provide comfortable support. Keep the bedroom cool and quiet, and shoot for at least nine hours of sleep a night for teens (more for younger children).

?Get Out: Exercise and activity during the day can help young minds settle down to sleep at night. Work with pediatricians, coaches and others to ensure that children and teens are getting good exercise.

?Shut the curtains. The early arrival of Daylight Savings Time this year has many young sleepers hitting the hay while the sun still shines. Block the rays to help kids transition to sleep.

About Relax The Back

Relax The Back is the leading back-care specialty store in the country. Based in Southern California, the company operates 120 franchise and independently owned retail locations throughout North America. Relax The Back offers an unparalleled selection of medically-endorsed, high-quality back/relaxation lifestyle products, including the popular Tempur-Pedic mattresses. Information about the company and its products can be found at www.relaxtheback.com.

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