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ISSN 2063-5346
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SCREEN TIME AND ITS EFFECTS ON SLEEP PATTERNS IN EARLY ADOLESCENTS

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Dr. Gajanan Venkatrao Surewad, Dr. Radha Parisa, Dr. Lalit Ramesh Rane, Dr. Girish Ramesh Rane, Dr. Sahithi Chandarlapati
» doi: 10.53555/ecb/2022.11.11.116

Abstract

Background: With the pervasive use of screens in daily life, understanding how screen time affects the sleep patterns of early adolescents is critical. As screen exposure increases, particularly before bedtime, it is hypothesized to disrupt sleep quality and duration, potentially affecting physical and mental health. Objective: This study aims to investigate the relationship between pre-bedtime screen exposure duration (screen time) and sleep patterns among early adolescents. By focusing on a sample size of 200 early adolescents, the study seeks to determine how duration and type of screen activity impact sleep quality and quantity. Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was employed, gathering data from 200 early adolescents (aged 10-13 years). Participants were asked to record their screen time activities and their sleep patterns over a two-week period. The types of screens used (e.g., smartphones, computers, tablets, televisions) and the content consumed were also tracked. Sleep quality and duration were assessed through a combination of self-reported sleep diaries and objective measures using wearable sleep trackers. Results: The findings indicate a significant inverse relationship between screen time and sleep quality. Adolescents who reported higher screen time, particularly in the hour before bedtime, had shorter sleep duration and poorer sleep quality. The type of screen activity also mattered, with interactive gaming and social media use showing a stronger association with disrupted sleep compared to passive activities like watching television or reading on a screen. Moreover, the study found that the effects of screen time were more pronounced in adolescents with evening chronotypes compared to those with morning chronotypes. Conclusion: The study underscores the negative impact of excessive screen time on sleep quality and duration in early adolescents. It suggests a critical need for guidelines and interventions targeting screen usage to promote healthier sleep habits. Educating adolescents and parents about the importance of minimizing screen time before bed and encouraging alternative pre-sleep activities could be beneficial strategies

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