Researchers used a sample of more than 300 children and caregivers in the U.S., with all of the children adopted at birth to eliminate genetic influences between parent and child. They found that how parents relate to each other and their relationship quality influences the child’s early development.

Is lack of sleep linked to obesity in kids?

A 2010 study found a link between young children and infants who did not get enough nighttime sleep and a higher risk of obesity later in life. Napping during the day did not reduce the risk.

Researchers looked at survey data of 1,930 children up to the age of 13, and followed up in 1997 and 2002.  They found that 33 percent of the younger children and 36 percent of the older children were overweight or obese. Those in the younger group that had short-lasting nighttime sleep had a higher risk of obesity or being overweight later in life, while the older children’s baseline sleep was not linked to being overweight or obese. Meaning, lack of sleep is not a factor in obesity when children are older.  

Sources:

n.p. (2012, September 10). "Infant Sleep Training Methods Are Safe And Effective." Medical News Today. Retrieved from http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/250049.php.

Intagliata, Christopher. (2012, September 6). “Testosterone Dips for Baby-Snoozing Dads.” Scientific American. Retrieved from http://www.scientificamerican.com/podcast/episode.cfm?id=testosterone-dips-for-baby-snoozing-12-09-06

University of Missouri-Columbia. (2012, April 23). "Back To Sleep: Safe Sleep Environments Key To Preventing Many Infant Deaths." Medical News Today. Retrieved from http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/244379.php

Bock, Robert. (2012, September 12). “NIH expands safe infant sleep outreach effort.” National Institutes of Health. Retrieved from http://www.nih.gov/news/health/sep2012/nichd-12.htm

n.p. (2012, August 2). "Infant Sleep Safety Info Is Not Always Accurate Online." Medical News Today. Retrieved from http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/248580.php

Child Development. (2011, May 10). "Bickering Couples Disrupt Infants' Sleep Patterns And Affect Child Development - New Study." Medical News Today. Retrieved from http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/224757.php

Christian Nordqvist. (2010, September 6). "Infants And Young Children Who Don't Sleep Enough At Night Have Higher Risk Of Obesity Later On." Medical News Today. Retrieved from http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/200151.php