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SLEEP

               One of the interesting risk factors noted from several research studies demonstrate that children with less than 10 hours of sleep a night are at risk for childhood obesity. In addition, younger children who go without naps are higher risk as well. The theory behind this phenomenon is that important hormones released during sleep regulate metabolic processes that affect overall weight. Growth hormone is well recognized as having a peak release during sleep, and likewise other hormones that affect rate of metabolism and appetite have been recognized. Less sleep therefore may result in less release and effectiveness from these hormonal processes.