(Press-News.org) Science is finally confirming what grandma knew all along: infants wake up taller right after they sleep.
Findings from the first study of its kind measuring the link between daily growth and sleep show the two are inextricably linked. Specifically, growth spurts are tied to an increase in total daily hours of sleep as well as an increase in the number of daily sleep bouts, the time from the onset of sleep until awakening.
"Little is known about the biology of growth spurts," says Michelle Lampl, MD, PhD, Samuel C. Dobbs professor of anthropology, Emory University, associate director, Emory/Georgia Tech Predictive Health Institute and lead author of the study. "Our data open the window to further scientific study of the mechanisms and pathways that underlie saltatory growth."
Practically speaking, however, the study helps parents understand that irregular sleep behavior is a normal part of growth and development.
"Sleep irregularities can be distressing to parents," says Lampl. "However, these findings give babies a voice that helps parents understand them and show that seemingly erratic sleep behavior is a normal part of development. Babies really aren't trying to be difficult."
Lampl's study appears in the May 1 issue of Sleep and is co-authored by Michael Johnson, PhD, professor of pharmacology, University of Virginia Health System.
The researchers also found that longer sleep bouts in both girls and boys predicted an increase in weight and body-fat composition tied to an increase in length. In other words, not only does sleep predict a growth spurt in length, but it also predicts an increase in weight and abdominal fat, implying an anabolic process—growth.
What's more, the study showed differences in sleep patterns related to growth depending on the sex of the baby. "Growth spurts were associated with increased sleep bout duration in boys compared with girls and increased number of sleep bouts in girls compared with boys," says Lampl.
In general, boys in the study exhibited more sleep bouts and shorter sleep bouts than girls. But neither the sex of the infant nor breastfeeding had significant effects on total daily sleep time. However, breastfeeding as opposed to formula feeding was associated with more and shorter sleep bouts.
Unlike previous studies, this study did not rely on parental recall of infant sleep patterns and growth. Instead, data on 23 infants were recorded in real time over a four- to 17-month span. Mothers kept daily diaries detailing sleep onset and awakening and noted whether babies were breastfeeding, formula feeding, or both and whether their infant showed signs of illness, such as vomiting, diarrhea, fever or rash.
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The Robert W. Woodruff Health Sciences Center of Emory University is an academic health science and service center focusing on teaching, research, health care and public service.
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Denver, Colo. (May 1, 2011) -- A drug commonly used to treat kidney cancer may increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy for mesothelioma, according to a study published in the May issue of the Journal of Thoracic Oncology.
Temsirolimus, a kinase inhibitor, blocks the action of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), a protein that regulates cell growth, which can slow tumor growth. It's used to treat advanced renal cell carcinoma.
But researchers in Austria have found that temsirolimus also may slow the growth of malignant pleural mesothelioma cells. Mesothelioma, a ...
A new kind of sensor could warn emergency workers when carbon filters in the respirators they wear to avoid inhaling toxic fumes have become dangerously saturated.
In a recent issue of the journal Advanced Materials, a team of researchers from the University of California, San Diego and Tyco Electronics describe how they made the carbon nanostructures and demonstrate their potential use as microsensors for volatile organic compounds.
First responders protect themselves from such vapors, whose composition is often unknown, by breathing through a canister filled with ...
There has been numerous requests from Hawaii residents for a kama'aina discount for the "Invitation To Foodies" culinary seminar at the Makena Beach and Golf Resort on Maui. This seminar benefits three Maui non-profits. The non-profits are the Friends of the Children's Justice Center of Maui, Haku Baldwin Center and Ka Lima O Maui.
As sponsors of the event, TasteHawaiiOnline.com had to first consider how a discount would affect the quality of the seminar, the lecturers, the presentations and the food.
Local chef personalities are asked to share their knowledge ...
Each May, since 1988, National Foster Care Month has raised awareness for millions of Americans across the country. Originally purposed to recognize and show appreciation to foster parents throughout the nation, National Foster Care Month has transferred that focus towards the needs of the children, specifically the teenagers, aging out of the system. Today, National Foster Care Month continues to broaden awareness, uniting individuals and organizations through strong support and recruitment programs nationwide.
When parents can not keep their children due to crisis, ...
Polaris Software Lab Limited (POLS.BO), a leading global Financial Technology company, today announced the fourth quarter and annual results for FY 2010-11. The company delivered strong and stable results led by impressive product wins, multiple large engagements with leading Tier 1 global banks & financial institutions and further consolidated its market presence in key business geographies.
Key Performance metrics
For the quarter ended 31 March 2011, Revenue grew by 9% Q-o-Q to Rs. 437.53 crore from Rs. 399.9 crore and 25% Y-o-Y to Rs. 437.53 crore from Rs. 351.04 ...
From tanks to taxis and tuk-tuks to time-travelling Deloreans, happy couples are no longer content, it seems, to ride off into the sunset in a white limo or a vintage Rolls.
These days, it's as much about making a statement as getting to the church on time.
After all, what is a wedding for if it's not to attract attention? Well, that and ever-lasting love, of course...
While Kate will arrive at Westminster Abbey in the 1977 Rolls-Royce that was damaged by protesters in London in December, and depart as a Duchess in the horse-drawn carriage used by Charles and Diana, ...
The Small Business Economic Impact Alliance announced today their support for the "Red Tape" legislative bill SB 951, introduced by California Senator Ted Gaines. This bill takes a comprehensive approach to reducing the financial burden on California businesses, particularly small businesses, brought about by over-regulation.
If it passes, SB 951 will require all state agencies to review their current regulations and reduce the number of existing regulations by one-third. In addition, the bill will have an impact on future regulations in two ways. First, it ...
By special invitation from The American Osteopathic Colleges of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Dr. Kevin Sadati has been asked to speak on his inimitable 'Double-C Plication' Facelift technique. Dr. Sadati's paper on his special technique was recently published by The American Journal of Cosmetic Surgery to very positive feedback from his peers.
This year, the 95th Annual Clinical Assembly of the AOCOO-HNS/Facial Plastic Surgery will be held in Tucson, Arizona on May 6, 2011. Dr. Sadati has been asked to speak at several prestigious medical conventions ...
Texas Christian University's (TCU) Mary Wright Admission Center in Fort Worth was one of the most significant construction projects of 2010, the Associated General Contractors of America announced today. As a result, the project's contractor, Linbeck Group, LLC, was one of 20 firms to receive the association's Aon Build America Award. "We are honored to be acknowledged by our peers in receiving this award," said Harold Hebson, Client Executive and Senior Vice President for the Linbeck Group. "We want to thank TCU for making this project possible and all collaborators ...
Diamond & Design Jewelers will hold a fundraising event on Saturday, April 30th at The Commons in Chino Hills to raise $5,000 for St. Jude's Children's Hospital. The event will include an exciting raffle for a $3,000 diamond ring and gift cards from popular local restaurants. Guests will enjoy live entertainment, free food, and drinks. Jewelry is available for sale during the event, with 10% of the sale benefiting St. Jude's Children's Hospital. The event will be held from 2:00 p.m. through 6:00 p.m..
St. Jude's Children's Hospital is the #1 cancer hospital for ...
