Does Co-Sleeping Protect Kids From Obesity?

Into the ongoing, sometimes contentious conversation about the merits and risks of co-sleeping comes this interesting new information. A recent study, presented at this year's European Congress on Obesity, suggests that young children who share a bed with their parents may be at lower risk for obesity.

Researchers at Denmark's Copenhagen University Hospital investigated the influence of co-sleeping on children who already had an elevated risk for weight problems. They found that co-sleeping was linked to a significant decrease in the likelihood of these children actually becoming overweight.

The study included data on sleep and weight for 497 children ages 2 to 6. The data included body-mass index (BMI) measurements for the children as well as detailed information about any instances of co-sleeping with parents. All the children included in the study were considered at an elevated risk for being overweight because of one or more of three factors:

• High birth weight
• A mother who was overweight before her pregnancy
• A mother with low socio-economic status

Researchers found that children who slept in their parents' bed every night were 70 percent less likely to be overweight than children who never slept with their parents. Even children who occasionally slept with their parents appeared to benefit. Children who slept for any amount of time with their parents were 50 percent less likely to be overweight than those kids who never slept with parents.

What is the connection? The study did not answer this question. Researchers, in discussing the study results, pointed to the possibility that the positive emotional reinforcement of sleeping close to parents might have provided children with an extra degree of protection -- and that feelings of rejection from not being allowed in bed with parents could have been a trigger for gaining weight.

Co-sleeping continues to be a hot topic for parents and health professionals. Proponents point to the convenience of sleeping with a young child -- whether for nighttime feedings or for comforting a restless child -- as well as to the emotional bonding that occurs. Detractors warn of safety dangers for children, as well as longer-term difficulties in having children sleep on their own. It can be confusing for parents to sort through the pros and cons.

When it comes to infants and babies under the age of 1 year, the medical establishment has made clear recommendations. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends against parents and infants or babies under 1 year sleeping in the same bed. Historically, the primary reason behind this recommendation was to protect against SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). In 2011, the AAP expanded its recommendations for safe infant sleeping to protect against other types of sudden infant death that can occur during sleep, including suffocation and asphyxia. Instead of co-sleeping in the same bed, the AAP recommends that parents and babies sleep in the same room but in separate sleeping spaces, to maximize the opportunity for closeness and responsiveness while also guarding against health risks that have been associated with co-sleeping.

When it comes to children of toddler-age and older, the decision to co-sleep becomes more individual, and reflective of a particular family's habits and needs. A recent study investigated the relationship between co-sleeping and children's cognitive and behavioral development. After assessing the influence of co-sleeping on early math and literacy skills as well as social skills and hyperactivity, researchers found that sleeping in a family bed had no negative consequences for young children's development in these areas.

Safety remains an extremely important factor in a co-sleeping arrangement. Parents who choose to share a bed with their children should not drink alcohol before bedtime, as alcohol consumption increases the risk of injury to a child in a co-sleeping bed. If you've been drinking, you should never sleep in the same bed with your child.

Other possible challenges to consider?

Protecting private time for adults. Co-sleeping with kids can put a serious damper on their parents' intimate relationship. If you and your partner are considering co-sleeping, make sure you both feel comfortable with the plan -- a plan that should include time for sex and romance.

The ability of everyone in the bed to get a good night's sleep. Parents and children all need to sleep well in a family bed for the arrangement to work. Young children are in the process of developing sleep habits that will influence their sleep for many years to come. It's important that this process isn't compromised -- and that parents' sleep isn't adversely affected -- by a co-sleeping arrangement.

Obesity is a dangerously escalating problem in the United States, for children as well as for adults. Obesity rates among children have tripled over the past 30 years. Today, 17 percent of kids in the U.S. are obese, and that number is expected to climb. Obesity is an increasing risk for even very young children, so it's never too early to start thinking about ways to help prevent a weight problem.

Sleep plays a deeply important role in helping kids maintain a healthy weight. Co-sleeping will not be right for every family. For some families, it may make sense, and may provide a level of protection against weight problems. Most important? Making sure your child is learning the skills he needs to sleep well -- which includes creating a sleep environment and routine that helps him feel safe, supported, and loved.

Sweet Dreams,
Michael J. Breus, PhD
The Sleep Doctor™
www.thesleepdoctor.com

The Sleep Doctor's Diet Plan: Lose Weight Through Better Sleep

Everything you do, you do better with a good night's sleep™
twitter: @thesleepdoctor
Facebook: www.facebook.com/thesleepdoctor

For more by Dr. Michael J. Breus, click here.

For more on sleep, click here.

 

 

 

Follow Dr. Michael J. Breus on Twitter: www.twitter.com/thesleepdoctor

Comments

[Alvarask]

11:02 AM on 06/25/2012

I married a man from another culture and when our first child was able to get out of their bed and come to our bed in the middle of the night, I discovered that in my husband's culture you wouldn't DREAM of sending them back to their own bed. So she was put to bed properly in her own bed every night, but in the morning she woke up in OUR bed. Then when the next baby was big enough to do the same they also had the routine of being put to bed in their own bed each night, but always waking up in OUR bed. The solution? We bought the biggest bed we could find. The children both decided that they could get a better night's sleep if they stayed in their own bed when they reached the same age...TWELVE. After a total of twelve years sleeping like a pack of wolves it was lonely when the children left. But roomy. They were both excellent eaters throughout their childhood and are still excellent eaters and neither has to struggle to stay trim and fit.

[Mylittlemuse]

12:21 PM on 06/25/2012

mine was with me till she was about 10. I told her our dog was a watch dog, which she isn't., but she fell for it and started sleeping in her own double sized bed. last year she said, mom this is great I should have done this sooner. funny thing was, the night she actually slept by herself, she got a great nights sleep and I was up half of the night.

[Alvarask]

08:53 PM on 06/25/2012

Ahhh yes, it really is lonely when they leave. But it doesn't take long before we can once again enjoy having a bit of space to ourselves. My kids were the same, they loved sleeping in their own beds once they had personally decided it was their own choice to do so. I have a feeling that having made that choice on their own they may also have better sleep habits. I notice that my children, even though they can be night-owls on occasion, still love to get their sleep and make sure they have plenty of time for it. How about yours?