Okay, we all know that overweight people tend to snore more than “normal weight” people. I remember growing up when my parents used to tell me that I snored like crazy. As an adult, I’ve always been nervous (and thus, sleepless) when spending the night with someone for the first time. I remember one guy telling me that he couldn’t tell if he was sleeping next to an airport or a lumber mill. *sigh*

As far as kids are concerned, apparantly exercise has been proven to reduce snoring, even if it doesn’t make them lose weight. Snoring can be directly related to a lack of proper sleep, therefore an increase in learning and behavioral problems. It’s also suggested that Ritalin just makes matters worse… (source)

I’ve said for a long lonnnng time that Ritalin causes more harm than good. At least in the kids I’ve seen on it. One of whom was prescribed the drug when he was only 3 years old (which most doctors won’t do anymore) and has now found himself in and out of jails and hospitals his entire life since about the age of 4. He’s in his early 20’s now, and still pulls stunts like calling 911 to say he’s got a hostage with a gun to their head and he’s going to kill them if he doesn’t get (insert weird request here). The worst part, is the last time he pulled this stunt, he wouldn’t tell them where exactly he was (they figured out it was his house) and actually did NOT have a hostage or anyone else in the house whatsoever. He just thought this was funny I guess… I don’t know.

Anyway, back to the sleep/snoring/overweight kids thing…

There’s a growing belief (based on research, of course) that people who don’t get enough sleep also have problems maintaining their weight. So while overweight kids snore more, it makes for less restful sleep, which keeps them overweight, and the cycle never ends.

The bottom line I suppose is that exercise alone isn’t enough to get these kids to lose weight, but it does help to make them more fit. Combine that with all the schools that are banning soda and vending machines, and fast food companies finally making enough of an effort with kids meals and removing trans fats, AND yes, parental responsibility - overweight children just might have a standing chance to lose weight, sleep better, and have an easier time of things in school and at home.