Late Bedtimes Linked to Brain Development Issues in Children

Our research shows a strong connection between sleep duration, bedtime, socioeconomic status, and brain development in children.

Children from families with lower economic resources tend to sleep less and go to bed later, which can negatively impact their brain health.

We studied 94 children aged 5-9 from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds in New York City. We found that children from low-income families had shorter sleep durations and later bedtimes compared to their peers from higher-income families.

Using MRI scans, we analyzed the amygdala, a brain region crucial for processing emotions. We discovered that children with less sleep and later bedtimes had smaller amygdalae and weaker connections between the amygdala and other emotion-processing brain regions. These changes were particularly pronounced in children from low-income families.

Our findings suggest that both the amount and timing of sleep are essential for the development of these brain regions. Insufficient sleep increases the risk of mental health problems and interferes with academic performance. It may also make it harder for children to cope with stress and manage their emotions.

Children from disadvantaged backgrounds may be more vulnerable to stress-related mental health issues due to the negative impact of their environment on sleep. Early childhood experiences can have lasting effects on brain function, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing sleep during this critical developmental period.

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