Children who show signs of bullying or other aggressive behavior are more likely to be suffering from lack of sleep than their peers, according to a new study published in the journal Sleep Medicine.
Researchers at the University of Michigan worked with students at a local elementary school. They found that the children who had a history of bullying or discipline problems were twice as likely to suffer from sleep-disordered breathing – an umbrella term which includes any breathing problems during the night, from snoring to sleep apnea.
"We know that the pre-frontal cortex area of the brain is sensitive to sleep deprivation, and this area is also related to emotional control, decision making and social behavior," explained lead author Dr. Louise O’Brien.
O’Brien recommends that parents help ensure their child gets enough rest by encouraging good sleep patterns and removing electronic devices from the bedroom. Pre-school age children should sleep between 11 to 13 hours a night while children in elementary school need between ten and 11 hours.