Children's sleep needs are critical, says doctor Children's sleep needs are critical, says doctor (September 27, 2002)

Parents typically are aware of the importance of nutrition and activity in the development and well-being of their children. But many have no idea of how great a role sleep plays in their children's lives, according to Dr. William C. Dement.

Considered by many to be the world's leading authority on sleep and sleep disorders, Dement will present a program on Wednesday, Oct. 2, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. in the Portola Valley Town Center multi-use room, 765 Portola Road.

The program, "Sleep in Childhood and Adolescence: What Parents and Teachers Must Know," is sponsored by the Portola Valley School District Parent Education Program.

Dement, who founded the world's first sleep disorders center in 1970 at Stanford University, says children need more sleep than adults. High school students have the greatest need -- about nine hours nightly.

Sleep deprivation affects them not only in the classroom, but socially and emotionally as well, he says. But often, the lack of sleep is not recognized as the source of troubling behavior, fatigue and other problems.

Dement's book, "The Promise of Sleep," was published in 1999.

The program is open to the public; organizers are asking for a $5 donation to attend.