Hundreds of children are being treated for sleep problems in Wales every year, in some cases, babies, infants and teenagers have been admitted to hospital while in north Wales alone.
The Children’s Sleep Charity said many children were suffering from lack of sleep mainly because of technology use. Public Health Wales said sleep was as important to a child’s health as healthy eating and exercise, and children with poor sleep patterns were more likely to be fat.
Statistics obtained under the Freedom of Information Act by BBC Wales found at least 408 children have been admitted to hospitals across Wales suffering from sleep disorders since March 2013.
Children aged between 0 and 4 made up the highest number of inpatients, with some newborns being treated for sleep-related problems from the day of birth.
Vicki Dawson, who set up the Children’s Sleep Charity (CSC), said sleepless nights were putting both children and parents in anxiety. “Their weight and growth may also be affected as well as their mental health,” she said.
Teachers said children showing signs of sleep shortage and tiredness in class were a concern as they couldn’t concentrate for long periods.
Psychologist Amy McClelland, of Sleep Wales, said a common problem was children being “over excited” and “not having the chance to relax properly” before bed and families should get back to basics. “Think 1950s family home. Dinner as a family, read, chat, a film maybe, lights off and then bed.” She added.
【小题1】What’s the main reason why children are short of sleep?| A．Less exercise. | B．Eating habits. | C．Sleep patterns. | D．Technology use. |
| A．Teenagers. | B．Infants. | C．Teachers. | D．Parents. |
| A．Relaxation has a bad effect on children. | B．Chatting and films make children sleep more. |
| C．Being too excited is good for sleep habits. | D．It is difficult for children to read before bed. |
| A．Ways to Treat Sleep Problems | B．Sleep Habits of Welsh Children |
| C．Sleep Problems of Welsh Children | D．The Problems of Welsh Children |
