Obesity has now become a major public health concern around the world.

Of particular concern are

rates of overweight and obesity among children. The purpose of this study was to review evidence from
the last 5 years (20062011) regarding a relationship between sleep duration and childhood
overweight/obesityThree methods were commonly used to assess sleep in the 25 studies chosen for
review: (a) a selfadministered questionnaire (obtained from parents as needed); (b) a time diary or sleep
log; and (c) wrist actigraphy, hip accelerometry, and/or polysomnograhy(PSG). All 25 studies suggested
that short sleep duration is significantly associated with an increased risk of overweight and obesity. For
articles that provided them, ORs corresponding with shorter sleep duration throughout childhood.
Additionally, overweight children also had more disrupted sleep than controls and were at a greater risk
for sleep-disordered breathing.
This research study will help peditric nurses who interact with families in daily basis to identify and
promote childrens sleep habits. For children determined to be receiving inadequate sleep, nurses can
encourage parents to be attentive toward the childs activity and food intake patterns. Nurses can also
discourage a reliance on naps or other modes of compensatory sleep, instead asking parents to opt for
enforcing regular and consistent bedtimes. This will not only prevent obesity but also promote good
health