Why bedtime is SO important: Children who stay up too late are 'more

likely to suffer depression and anxiety in later life' 

• Lack of sleep 'conjures negative emotions, distorts positive experiences'
• Study found kids who slept poorly did not enjoy happy times as much
• Authors warn it could have devastating impact on child's growing mind

According to experts at the University of Houston, children who suffer inadequate or disrupted sleep are far more likely to suffer depression and anxiety as adults.

According to Alfano's research, sleep and emotional development are inextricably linked.She warns that parents need to treat sleep and the child's emotional future as seriously as they do dental hygiene or nutrition.

'Healthy sleep is critical for children's psychological well-being,' Alfano said.'Continually experiencing inadequate sleep can eventually lead to depression, anxiety and other types of emotional problems.'Parents, therefore, need to think about sleep as an essential component of overall health in the same way they do nutrition, dental hygiene and physical activity.