SPRINGFIELD -- Many students across the Ozarks headed back to school on Wednesday after the long winter break. As a result, they will have to switch their sleeping patterns again.

With all their activities, in addition to homework and school obligations, children live on about seven hours of sleep a night, rather than the nine they need. They can't compensate for those lost hours, so doctors say the best thing to establish now is a consistent sleep schedule. Otherwise, parents could wind up with some sleepy kids who have a multitude of other problems.

"People with chronic sleep debt are more sensitive to pain. Then there's a lot of other medical issues. Sleep loss has been tied to an increased risk of obesity, sleep apnea, and diabetes," said Dr. Jessica Lynch of CoxHealth.

Lynch suggests getting kids on a nine-hour a night schedule, and sticking to it seven days a week.