Sleeping near Screens of Any Size Impairs Children's Sleep

Both small screens and television in the bedroom reduced sleep duration.

It is known that bedroom televisions are detrimental to children's sleep. To determine the effect of different-sized screens on children's sleep duration and quality, investigators analyzed data from 2048 fourth-grade and seventh-grade children enrolled in an obesity research study.

Results were as follows:

Seventy-five percent of the children reported sleeping in a room with a television, and 54% reported sleeping near a small screen (e.g., smartphone).
Compared with fourth graders, seventh graders were more likely to sleep near a small screen and reported shorter sleep durations but were less likely to perceive insufficient rest.
Sleeping near a small screen (versus never) was associated with a reduction of 20.6 minutes of sleep per weekday a…

Reviewing Author

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

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Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

Sleeping near Screens of Any Size Impairs Children's Sleep

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Reviewing Author