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IS YOUR CHILD A NIGHT OWL?

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While night owls may be a far cry from comic book vigilantes, a study has found that late sleepers have nevertheless chosen a life of great danger, as they are twice as likely to suffer from psychological disorders, 30% more likely to develop diabetes, 25% more likely to have neurological disorders, 23% more likely to suffer from GI ailments, 22% more likely to have respiratory problems, and finally- 10% more likely to die prematurely.

You may have heard of circadian rhythm. Circadian rhythm, informs us about when we should wake up, when we should rest and when we should eat and drink. But just because we all have a cycle doesn’t mean it’s the same for all of us. In different people, the clock is set up differently, meaning they receive these cues at different times of the day. These different setups are called chronotypes, and they aren’t a matter of preference. In other words, people who prefer to stay up late and wake up late do so because they are geared to do so, and that is the best way for them to operate.

So why are night owls rewarded with all of these health risks for the simple act of listening to their internal clock? The problem is that many people with the late sleeping chronotype are trying to both live according to their rhythm, and according to the expectations of a morning-geared society: they wake up bright and early to get to work, where they are required to punch in around 9 and out at 5, meaning they spend the hours when they are least efficient doing work. They then go home and stay awake until around 2 AM. They are sleep deprived! They feel fatigued but incapable of sleep, lose their sense of appetite and more.

Takeaway: Help your child recalibrate their circadian clock to adhere to a morning person’s schedule by going to bed early and rising early and sticking to this routine.

Source: Internet

The views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for a physician’s advice. Always make sure to seek a doctor or a professional’s advice before proceeding with the home treatment plan.

Author: txnaturalpediatrics

By training, I am a American Board Certified Pediatrician. But in my younger years I grew up with natural alternatives. As a mom I have tried to incorporate both for my kids and it has worked wonders. And finally, as I am studying natural & alternative medicines, I realize the beauty and wisdom of living closer to earth. Hence in my practice I integrate both...for acute ailments I follow American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation but for simple and/or chronic conditions I prefer natural alternatives. In western training we were raised to think that "health is the absence of symptoms and problems". But eastern sensibilities has educated me that "Health is state that allows one to use the full capabilities of their body, mind and intellect. Therefore, healthy living is a balanced state of well being: physically, mentally, socially and spiritually." This implies that healing is not a "one-pill-fits-all", but a personalized experience.

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