ZME Science
No Result
View All Result
ZME Science
No Result
View All Result
ZME Science

Home → Science → News

Kids who look at screens before bed time tend to sleep less, get fatter

There are obvious advantages to such technologies, but doctors warn against excessive usage.

Mihai AndreibyMihai Andrei
December 12, 2017
in Health, Mind & Brain, News
A A
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterSubmit to Reddit

It may be simpler to just leave your kids watch TV or play on the smartphone during the evening, but a new study indicates that using digital devices before bed causes nutrition and sleep problems in children.

Image via Pixabay.

It’s not the first time scientists have raised alarm flags about allowing children to use electronic devices before going to bed. Just a month ago, a review of all the literature available on the connection between electronic screens and child sleep reported that TVs and smartphones are stealing important sleep hours.

“Of more than five dozen studies looking at youths ages 5 to 17 from around the world, 90% have found that more screen time is associated with delayed bedtimes, fewer hours of sleep, and poorer sleep quality,” a statement of the findings read.

Now, a new study seems to back that up, finding that screens can lead not only to sleeping problems, but also to a higher Body Mass Index (BMI). Caitlyn Fuller, medical student at Penn State College of Medicine, said the results indicate that screens induce a vicious cycle leading to worse sleep and nutritional habits.

“We saw technology before bed being associated with less sleep and higher BMIs,” Fuller said. “We also saw this technology use being associated with more fatigue in the morning, which circling back, is another risk factor for higher BMIs. So we’re seeing a loop pattern forming.”

Researchers asked the parents of 234 children between the ages of 8 and 17 years about their kids’ sleep and technology habits. The parents were also asked to say what kind of screens the children were looking at — whether it was a TV, smartphone, computer, or another type of game.

The team found that on average, children who spent time watching TV or playing video games got an average of 30 minutes less sleep than their counterparts. For kids who used their smartphones before bed, things were even worse: on average, they lost a full hour of sleep. Also, no matter what kind of technology they used, all kids who spent time watching screens were more likely to use their smartphone during the night.

In turn, this lack of sleep can lead to a higher BMI.

“We found an association between higher BMIs and an increase in technology use, and also that children who reported more technology use at bedtime were associated with less sleep at night,” Fuller said. “These children were also more likely to be tired in the morning, which is also a risk factor for higher BMIs.”

Of course, there are clear benefits to such technologies, but doctors warn against excessive usage. Getting proper sleep is especially important during childhood, for a healthy childhood development and mental health. Sleep is fundamental to optimal functioning during childhood, including health and behavior. Childhood obesity has grown by 1,000% worldwide in the last 40 years alone.

RelatedPosts

The surprising link between your pupils and how your brain stores memories at night
Is sleepwalking genetic? Study suggests it runs in the family
Here’s how climate change will make us lose literally days worth of sleep a year
Our brains can actively forget during REM sleep — and that’s why you don’t remember dreams

The study was published in the journal Global Pediatric Health.

Tags: BMIScreensleep

ShareTweetShare
Mihai Andrei

Mihai Andrei

Dr. Andrei Mihai is a geophysicist and founder of ZME Science. He has a Ph.D. in geophysics and archaeology and has completed courses from prestigious universities (with programs ranging from climate and astronomy to chemistry and geology). He is passionate about making research more accessible to everyone and communicating news and features to a broad audience.

Related Posts

Mind & Brain

Why a 20-Minute Nap Could Be Key to Unlocking ‘Eureka!’ Moments Like Salvador Dalí

byTibi Puiu
2 days ago
Health

Losing Just 12 Pounds in Your 40s Could Add Years to Your Life

byTudor Tarita
4 weeks ago
Mind & Brain

Scientists Just Found the Clearest Evidence Yet That Lucid Dreaming Is a Real State of Consciousness

byTibi Puiu
2 months ago
Health

Using screens in bed increases insomnia risk by 59% — but social media isn’t the worst offender

byTibi Puiu
3 months ago

Recent news

What’s Seasonal Body Image Dissatisfaction and How Not to Fall into Its Trap

June 28, 2025

Why a 20-Minute Nap Could Be Key to Unlocking ‘Eureka!’ Moments Like Salvador Dalí

June 28, 2025

The world’s oldest boomerang is even older than we thought, but it’s not Australian

June 27, 2025
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Editorial Policy
  • Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
  • How we review products
  • Contact

© 2007-2025 ZME Science - Not exactly rocket science. All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Science News
  • Environment
  • Health
  • Space
  • Future
  • Features
    • Natural Sciences
    • Physics
      • Matter and Energy
      • Quantum Mechanics
      • Thermodynamics
    • Chemistry
      • Periodic Table
      • Applied Chemistry
      • Materials
      • Physical Chemistry
    • Biology
      • Anatomy
      • Biochemistry
      • Ecology
      • Genetics
      • Microbiology
      • Plants and Fungi
    • Geology and Paleontology
      • Planet Earth
      • Earth Dynamics
      • Rocks and Minerals
      • Volcanoes
      • Dinosaurs
      • Fossils
    • Animals
      • Mammals
      • Birds
      • Fish
      • Amphibians
      • Reptiles
      • Invertebrates
      • Pets
      • Conservation
      • Animal facts
    • Climate and Weather
      • Climate change
      • Weather and atmosphere
    • Health
      • Drugs
      • Diseases and Conditions
      • Human Body
      • Mind and Brain
      • Food and Nutrition
      • Wellness
    • History and Humanities
      • Anthropology
      • Archaeology
      • History
      • Economics
      • People
      • Sociology
    • Space & Astronomy
      • The Solar System
      • Sun
      • The Moon
      • Planets
      • Asteroids, meteors & comets
      • Astronomy
      • Astrophysics
      • Cosmology
      • Exoplanets & Alien Life
      • Spaceflight and Exploration
    • Technology
      • Computer Science & IT
      • Engineering
      • Inventions
      • Sustainability
      • Renewable Energy
      • Green Living
    • Culture
    • Resources
  • Videos
  • Reviews
  • About Us
    • About
    • The Team
    • Advertise
    • Contribute
    • Editorial policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact

© 2007-2025 ZME Science - Not exactly rocket science. All Rights Reserved.