new study shows that nearly half of children in the United States do not get the recommended nine hours of sleep. Experts say sleep deprivation can affect children's ability to concentrate, learn, and have long-term health effects. Learn about the harmful effects of not getting enough sleep and how parents can gradually improve their children's sleep habits through the article below.

Young children who get too little sleep are more likely to be obese than those who don’t. Previous research has shown that children who don’t get enough sleep before age 4 are at increased risk of obesity. But new research published in the journal Pediatrics has found that the link between sleep deprivation and childhood extends from infancy to mid-childhood.

Researchers warn that teens who don't get enough sleep may be more likely to develop risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure and excess body fat.