- Have problems falling asleep (77.5 percent)
- Have trouble staying asleep - all participants reported being woken up at least once per night by an electronic device
- Experience mood, behavior and cognitive problems during the day including ADHD, anxiety, depression and some learning difficulties
While this is not the first time I have written about this topic, the data in this study are pretty amazing. What can a concerned parent do? Here are three tips:
- Education is key: letting children know how the use of these electronic devices can affect their sleep and their performance the next day is critical in giving them the tools to monitor their own behavior.
- Set an electronic curfew: One hour before bed, kids need to turn off all the electronic devices that they normally use and participate in the Power Down Hourโข:
- Twenty minutes of finishing up things to be done for tomorrow: getting clothes ready, packing up their backpack for school, etc.
- Twenty minutes for hygiene: nighttime bath, shower, brushing teeth, washing face, etc. Remember to do this in a dimly lit environment.
- Twenty minutes for a relaxation ritual: reading a book with a parent, saying nighttime prayers, spending time talking with a parent about their day, etc.
- Have the device in question out of reach: Charge cell phones in a special room, and computers can be turned off or placed on a timer.
About the author
Dr. Michael J. Breus is a sleep expert and author of Beauty Sleep: Look Younger, Lose Weight and Feel Great Through Better Sleep. His website is thesleepdoctor.com
Reader Comments
to our Newsletter