A new study from researchers at the Penn State College of Medicine analysed the impact of screen time before bed on sleep and nutrition, and it’s been proved that screen time before bed can cause less sleep, lower quality of sleep, fatigue in the morning and higher body mass index (BMI).
Caitlyn Fuller, a medical student involved in the study, revealed: ‘We saw technology before bed being associated with less sleep and higher BMI’s.
‘We also saw technology use being associated with more fatigue in the morning, which, circling back, is another risk factor for higher BMI’s. So we’re seeing a loop pattern forming.’
Published in the Global Pediatric Health journal, the study analysed the technology used (computer, video games, cell phone and television) and sleep habits of 234 children aged 8 to 17.
The research demonstrated that children who watched TV or played games before bed got 30 minutes less sleep than those who didn’t. Children who used their cell phone or computer before bed got one hour less sleep that those who didn’t.
It’s important to set boundaries for your children. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends media-free meals and keeping devices out of your child’s bedroom at night.
If you’re needing advice on how much screen time is OK, see here. Or, if you’re looking for a full-proof way to find the right balance, see here.
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