Past evidence has shown that sleep hygiene greatly impacts our physical and mental health, as well as our everyday behaviours. With technological advancements nowadays, there is increasing access to interactive electronic devices, e.g. smartphones, particularly in children and young adults. A recent meta-analysis explored the negative effects of night-time electronic exposure to children’s sleep cycle and physical health over the long term. It is reported that multiple studies showed decreased sleep duration, sleep onset and quality in subjects who had access to electronic devices prior to sleep. Subsequent sleep deficiency was then associated with poor living habits which in turn increased risks of obesity, hypertension and psychiatric disorders. Hence, parents are encouraged to aid their children in developing healthier sleep habits and reducing screen time at night.

Keywords: Sleep hygiene, sleep deficiency, electronic devices, screen time, children

Reference

Tsouklidis N, Tallaj N, Tallaj Y, Heindl SE. Cureus. 2020;12(7):e9292.