(Itasca, IL) -- A new study is taking a closer look at the impacts of childhood insomnia.
Researchers found 40-percent of children in the study around age nine who slept around seven hours or less had symptoms persist through young adulthood, compared with children who slept normally. Those who experienced insomnia during adolescence had a five and a half times higher risk of their symptoms worsening into adult insomnia.
Experts advise following the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics, which says to have a cutoff time for 'screen time' so kids' minds can wind down. Also, "general sleep hygiene" is important for children and young adults, which includes maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and sleeping in a quiet, dark and cold room.
A pediatric doctor who wasn't involved in the study said childhood insomnia could have long-lasting impacts. They explained "people who have more mental health issues tend to have more sleep issues; people who have more sleep issues tend to have more mental health issues."
Experts urge addressing concerning signs immediately.