The Bulletín of Kanagawa Dental College

Vol. 37 No. 1       MARCH- 2009

ISSN: 0385-1443      UBIC: 65

ABSTRACT

Sleep is necessary to optimize the brain function in children and is vital for mental and physical development. First, in this review, we describe the reason for sleep in optimal brain function in children. Then we report on an investigation into sleep habits and bruxism in children that was carried out in a rural area of Japan (Yamanashi Prefecture) in 2006 and in a metropolitan area (Tokyo) in 2007. The incidence of severe bruxers among children in the rural area was greater than that in the metropolitan area. This phenomenon suggests that the incidence of sleep bruxism in children may be related to psychological stress, possibly caused by a "night-owl" lifestyle. Finally we suggest 10 tips to enable children to get better sleep. It goes without saying that children with sufficient sleep are both mentally and physically healthy. One of a parent's basic duties in bringing up children carefully is to ensure that their children have sufficient sleep. The children of today will be responsible for our future tomorrow. Key words: Sleep / Children / Brain function / Sleep bruxism / Sleep habits.

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