Archive for sleep
From our labs and clinics: 10 research advances in 2021
Pediatric medicine at Boston Children’s Hospital rests on a strong base of discovery science. But it can take decades for bench discoveries to be validated and replicated in humans and for treatments to be proven safe. When lab discoveries advance on the road to clinical application, it’s cause to celebrate. Here are 10 research success ... Read More
Sound sleep, sound mind: The importance of sleep for preteens’ developing brains
When your preteen doesn’t get enough sound sleep, some of the signs, like crankiness, are obvious. But some of the effects are more subtle. A large, first-of-its-kind study from Boston Children’s Hospital now shows that too little or poor-quality sleep may prevent the brain from developing strong, efficient connections. “Early adolescence is a critical time ... Read More
Sweet dreams: A guide to infant sleep
While sleep should be peaceful, ensuring your baby is sleeping safely — and soundly — can be stressful. We spoke with Shana Zandman, MD, a pediatrician at Brookline Pediatrics in the Boston Children’s Primary Care Alliance, and Jennifer Gingrasfield, RN, MSN, a pediatric nurse practitioner in the Sleep Center at Boston Children’s Hospital, about creating ... Read More
Can we explain sudden infant deaths? It’s complicated.
Since the early 1990s, “Back to Sleep” campaigns have urged parents to place infants to bed on their backs to prevent suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The results were clear: from 1992 to 1996, SIDS fell by more than half. But since then, rates of what is now called sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) ... Read More
How will the winter darkness affect kids’ learning and sleep this year?
The recent fall back of the clocks marked the official end of daylight saving time (DST). It also marks the beginning of the season of shorter days and darker evenings. For many of us, this makes it harder to spend time outside. So, what effect will the increasing darkness have on kids and teens as ... Read More
Eight tips to get your kids on a good sleep schedule
If your kids are staying up past midnight and not getting out of bed until after noon, they are in good company. Since kids have been out of school and unable to do many of their regular activities, many are off their regular sleep schedule, says Dr. Kelly Chiu, a primary care pediatrician at Boston ... Read More
Five things to know about melatonin for kids
Your daughter’s lack of sleep is beginning to affect her school performance. You’ve tried to establish a consistent bedtime, to no avail. You’re half-crazy with sleep deprivation yourself tending to her insomnia. You’ve heard melatonin — a hormone supplement — can help. Perhaps your pediatrician has already recommended it. But is it really beneficial, and ... Read More