(VNF) - According to Dr. Johnathan Halevy from Family Medical Practice infirmary, half of preschool students and 40 percent of Vietnamese adolescents sleep less than a normal sleep of 8 hours.

More and more children are facing with the lack sleep in the country (source: khamphatre.com)

According to the report, most Vietnamese kids sleep less than six hours a night, shorter than a normal sleep of 8-10 hours a day. The main reasons leading to the lack of sleep is attributed to excessive time spending on surfing social network, playing online game and particularly, study.

Childhood sleep deprivation is a common problem in Vietnam. Between 40 percent of Vietnamese children and adolescents are not getting enough sleep consistently because of much studying.

Many students even leave home and school when they are unable to cope with the surplus of pressure and lack of family support (illustrative photo: dantri)

According to Dr. Hoang Dinh Huu Hanh from the National Medicine University Hospital, more and more children are coping with lack sleep in the country.

He also pointed out that during exam period, many students study all day and don’t have enough time to rest, sleeping only 2-3 hours a night. They even use coffee and cigarettes to overcome sleepiness while ignoring nutrition.

"Many students even leave home and school when they are unable to cope with the surplus of pressure and lack of family support. Some cases suffer serious emotional disorders and consider suicide," he said.

Adolescent sleep needs range from 8.5–10 hours per night. Lack of sleep is known as one of the cause of poor concentration, declining academic result, frequent absences, poor social interactions, irritability and crankiness, depression, and increased risk taking behaviors.

Recent research by psychiatrists in five schools in Hanoi shows that 5 per cent of children are at risk of emotional disorders. Two per cent need treatment at medical facilities.

According to Dr Nguyen Van Dung, deputy director of Bạch Mai Hospital’s Mental Health Institute, most children’s physical and mental development are not yet fully completed. Therefore, their emotions are easily affected, causing stress.

Medical workers warned parents to ask their kids to sleep before 10 PM. If kids have too much homework, they should go to bed before 10 PM and get up early at 4 AM to continue their learning./.

( VNF )