40% of Australian Children Experience Sleep Problems; Parents Hold Misconceptions About Teen Sleep Needs

Sydney, (Xinhua) – A survey conducted by researchers from the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne, Australia, found that nearly half of Australian children aged 5-17 struggle with sleep issues. The study revealed that 42% of children experience difficulty falling asleep or waking up during the night, while 21% do not get enough rest.

The report highlighted that 45% of children aged 5-12 and 37% of teenagers aged 13-17 have sleep-related problems. Additionally, 44% of Australian teenagers use electronic devices within an hour before bedtime, and 47% of parents believe that using such devices helps children relax.

The study underscores the widespread prevalence of sleep issues among school-aged children and teenagers in Australia.

Moreover, the report revealed that nearly half of surveyed parents hold misconceptions about sleep, believing that too much sleep is harmful for teenagers. 40% of parents also mistakenly think that teenagers require less sleep than younger children, and half of parents believe that weekend sleep can compensate for insufficient sleep during the week.

The study suggests that further education on sleep hygiene could benefit both parents and children, promoting healthier sleep habits and improving overall well-being.

Source
Xinhuathai News