Daytime use of electronic devices also affect sleep in adolescents
These are among the main findings in a new study lead by researcher psychology specialist Mari Hysing. She is at researcher at the Regional Centre for Child and Youth Mental Health and Child Welfare, at Uni Research Health in Bergen, Norway.
– The use of electronic devices is related to sleeping less than both the youths themselves and experts deem necessary, researcher Mari Hysing points out.
All daytime screen use exceeding two hours were significantly associated with shorter sleep duration.
In their conclusion, the researchers suggest that recommendations on healthy media use could include restrictions on electronic devices.
“Parallel with the rapid change in technology, the recommendations for healthy media use given to parents and adolescents also need updating, and age-specific guidelines regarding the quantity and timing of electronic media use should be developed and made known to the public”, the researchers write.“Not having a TV in the bedroom is the current recommendation, however other electronic devices such as PCs and cell phones, seem to exert the same negative influence on sleep. Our results confirm recommendations for restricting media use in general”, Hysing says.
Almost all of the study participants reported using one or more electronic devices during the last hour before bedtime.
Mari Hysing, researcher at the Regional Centre for Child and Youth Mental Health and Child Welfare, Uni Research Health. (Photograph: Rune Rolvsjord)
Mari Hysing says that media use may directly affect the amount of sleep, because of its time consuming nature.
“The electronic devices may also interfere with sleep through increased psychophysiological arousal”, she adds
Furthermore, when using electronic media devices before bedtime, the bright light may interfere with sleep by disrupting the circadian rhythm, and/or by causing an immediate activation in itself.
