Nerd Research Minute: Bedtime Use of Technology and Associated Sleep Problems in Children

Bedtime Use of Technology and Associated Sleep Problems in Children
Fuller, C., Lehman, E., Hicks, S., & Novick, M. B. (2017)

The purpose of this study (Fuller, Lehman, Hicks & Novick, 2017) was to explore bedtime electronic use and its impact on 3 health consequences—sleep quantity and quality, inattention, and body mass index. Parents of 234 children, ages 8 to 17 years, were surveyed to quantify hours of technology use (computer, video games, cell phone, and television), hours of sleep, and inattentive behaviors. Using any device at bedtime was associated with a statically significant increased use of multiple forms of technology at bedtime and use in the middle of the night, reducing sleep quantity and quality. Little association was found between technology use and inattention.

A statistically significant association was found between bedtime technology use and elevated body mass index.
Clinicians should discuss the impact of technology at bedtime to prevent harmful effects of overexposure.

“There was a significant relationship between average hours of sleep and technology use before bedtime (Figure 2). Children who watched television at bedtime were recorded to get 30 minutes less of sleep than those who did not watch television at bedtime (P = 0.025). Children who used their phone at bedtime reported approximately 1 hour less of sleep than those who did not (P < 0.001). Also, children who played video games at bedtime reported 30 minutes less sleep than those who did not, and were more likely (OR = 2.7; 95% CI = 1.30-5.75) to have trouble staying asleep. Children who used a computer at bedtime were reported to have approximately 60 minutes less sleep than those who did not (P < 0.001) and were more likely (OR = 2.1; 95% CI = 1.10-3.92) to have trouble falling asleep.”

 

The study referenced some indications toward tech use and B.M.I.

Study Reference Citation

Fuller, C., Lehman, E., Hicks, S., & Novick, M. B. (2017). Bedtime use of technology and associated sleep problems in children. Global pediatric health.Study retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5669315/
Study pdf: TechAndSleepAtBedtime2017

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