#SLEEP

BROKEN NIGHTS, BAD HABITS A lack of sleep may lead to children developing poor dietary habits and spending more time using computers and smart devices, researchers at the American Academy of Sleep Medicine have found. The survey of nearly 180,000 schoolchildren found that those sleeping for less than eight hours are more likely to skip breakfast, eat fast food and sweets and stay glued to their phones all day.

SIESTA FOR SUCCESS Napping could boost teenagers’ performance in school, a study at the University of Delaware has found. Getting 30 to 60 minutes’ worth of shut-eye between 12 noon and 2pm – the so-called ‘circadian dip’ during which our energy levels are at their lowest – may help to boost neurocognitive function.