Hong Kong - Obese children are 10 times as likely as children of normal weight to suffer from sleep disorders, according to a study published on Friday by Hong Kong scientists.
The study by researchers at the city's Chinese University found 12 out of 46 obese children aged six to 13 suffered from sleep apnoea syndrome compared to one out of 44 normal children.
The problem - which leads to snoring and constant sleep interruptions - is caused by the tonsils of obese children getting enlarged and blocking the windpipe.
The growth of the tonsils occurs between the ages of three and six, according to the survey carried in Friday's South China Morning Post.
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Albert Li, associate professor of paediatrics, told the newspaper the condition could be treated by removing the tonsils to clear the windpipe or by children losing weight.
The study is the first of its kind in Hong Kong to link childhood obesity to sleeping disorders. Previous studies have linked adult obesity with snoring and sleep apnoea.
Li said parents should seek medical help if their children slept badly, snored or sweated while sleeping and had difficulties concentrating during the day. - Sapa-dpa
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