More than 60 per cent of children and teens do not get enough sleep, which can put their health at risk, according to a report by the Chinese Sleep Research Society.
Nearly 63 per cent of Chinese youths ages 6 to 17 sleep less than eight hours a day, according to the report. Among 13 to 17-year-olds the number is more than 81 per cent. The report was based on a survey at the end of last year and in January. It covered nearly 70, 000 children and teens ages 6 to 17 all over China.
The report found that two top causes influenced students' sleep. From Monday to Thursday, 64 per cent of the group would still be busy with their homework after 11 p.m.. More than 41 per cent of children and teenagers who sleep too little use computers and mobile phones.
The survey also showed that good sleep makes study effective(有效的). Some students who sleep longer generally finish homework in two to three hours. Some other students may require four to six hours because they sleep less. Zhao Zhongxin, a professor studying sleep disorders, said, "Sleep helps growth, protects the brain and makes the immune system(免疫系统) better. Long-term loss of sleep will bring risks of disease and cause lasting health damage."
Some specialists suggested that local education authorities all over China take action to help students get more sleep, including putting off the start of morning classes by half an hour.
| problems among students ages 6 to 17 across China | |
| Present situation | *Nearly 63% of Chinese youths ages 6-17 sleep less than 8 hours a day. *Among 13-to 17 year-olds the number is than that of the children aged 6-17 |
| Main | * much schoolwork * of electronic devices |
| of enough sleep | *Good sleep helps students effectively. Students who sleep longer generally finish homework in two to three hours, those students who sleep less require four to six hours. *Sleep helps growth, protects the brain and the immune system. If you don't have sleep, the chance to get diseases or health damage will increase. |
| Suggestions | Help students get more sleep, e.g. schools start . |
