US sleep studies raise kid-nap fears

AFTERNOON naps taken by young children may give parents a welcome rest but could be harmful, say researchers.

Studies suggest daytime napping may prevent children sleeping properly at night and impair mental performance.

Scientists in the US measured how well 27 kindergarten children could solve puzzles requiring planning and organisational skills. Children who took longer naps completed fewer puzzles successfully, and the later they went to bed the worse they performed, New Scientist magazine reported.