How Does Screen Time Before Bed Affect Children’s Sleep
- by WONDERMOM
- Jan. 17, 2023
The reality is that staring at a screen before bed is not the best way to have a restful night’s sleep. This is particularly true for young children, who need sufficient sleep to mature and grow in a healthy way. A recent research revealed that although some time spent in front of a computer may not be as detrimental to mental health as we previously believed, an issue still exists in the form of interrupted sleep. The sad truth is that children spend far more time in front of devices than what is considered healthy.
According to a number of studies, engaging in screen time before going to bed (such as watching television, playing video games, using smartphones or laptops) might result in less total hours of sleep and an increased number of awakenings in the middle of the night. There are a few ways in which our children’s exposure to electronic displays may be causing them to suffer from sleep problems.
One is that electronic displays may give out a blue glow. Melatonin is a hormone that our bodies manufacture that is responsible for making us feel drowsy. Blue light may inhibit the generation of melatonin. While the ability of blue light to keep us attentive is beneficial during the day, its usage at night in the form of computers, TVs, and other electronic gadgets may have adverse effects. And it has been shown that blue light, in particular, is highly disruptive to the sleeping habits of younger children.
What your kid sees might be thrilling or terrifying, depending on who they are as an individual. It’s possible that they may continue to think about it long after the screen has been turned off, which may keep them awake or give them nightmares that wake them up in the middle of the night. Last but not least, the use of electronic devices might accidentally lead to less time spent being physically active or reduce the amount of time that would otherwise be spent on other beneficial sleeping practices. Screens have the potential to substitute activities that are known to help sleep, such as maintaining a regular nighttime routine, getting regular exercise, or spending time outside.
Deciding whether or not you want to utilize screen time before going to bed is entirely up to you. However, if your children seem fatigued during the day or wake up often during the night, it is important to investigate how screen time affects their sleep. This is particularly true if your children fall asleep quickly when they are exposed to screens. Reading, having a bath, and engaging in creative play are just some of the things for your child’s time spent in front of a computer if you are seeking for alternatives.