New research has proven that primary-aged children who get at least the recommended ten hours sleep a night behave better in school.

A study led by Reut Gruber of Montreal's McGill University and Douglas Research Center revealed that the more shut-eye a child gets, the less likely they are to be restless throughout the day.

Mr Gruber's team split 33 children into two groups and asked one set of parents to add an extra hour to their youngsters' sleep, while the other group were told to cut snoozing time by the same amount.

The pupils that were subjected to less sleep each night for one week were found to be more prone to crying, losing their temper and becoming frustrated.

Meanwhile, teachers reported improved performance and behaviour among the children that had gained an hour's rest.

Commenting on the results of the study, Mr Gruber claimed it is important for schools to educate students that getting enough sleep is just as important as eating right and getting plenty of exercise.

Written by Donal Walsh

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