Kids: Screen Time Before Bed Affects Sleep Differently Than Thought

The Impact of Screen Time on Sleep in Children

Screen time before bed has been linked to a number of negative sleep outcomes in children, including difficulty falling asleep, shorter sleep duration, and poorer sleep quality. However, a new study suggests that the effects of screen time on sleep may be more complex than previously thought.

The study, published in the journal Pediatrics, found that the type of screen activity matters when it comes to sleep. Children who used electronic devices for passive activities, such as watching TV or playing video games, had more difficulty falling asleep and shorter sleep duration than children who used electronic devices for active activities, such as playing educational games or using social media.

How Can We Help Kids?

The findings of this study suggest that parents may need to be more selective about the types of screen activities their children engage in before bed. Passive screen activities may be more disruptive to sleep than active screen activities.

Recommendations for Parents:

* Encourage children to engage in active screen activities, such as playing educational games or using social media, rather than passive screen activities, such as watching TV or playing video games. * Set limits on screen time before bed. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children and teens get at least 10 hours of sleep each night. To ensure that children get enough sleep, parents should set limits on screen time before bed. * Create a screen-free zone in the bedroom. The AAP recommends that parents create a screen-free zone in the bedroom to help children wind down before bed.

Conclusion

The effects of screen time on sleep in children are complex. The type of screen activity, the amount of time spent on screens, and the individual child's sleep habits all play a role. Parents can help their children get a good night's sleep by encouraging them to engage in active screen activities, setting limits on screen time before bed, and creating a screen-free zone in the bedroom.