Sleep is important for health – especially for children, as many developmental processes occur during sleep. What can help them.
Many parents face the same challenge every evening: their toddlers simply don’t want to fall asleep or wake up frequently. Sometimes a few changes can make a big difference - this is what researchers from Great Britain are currently reporting. They examined which factors lead to restless nights and insufficient sleep.
In a randomized study, scientists from the University of London investigated for the first time how children’s sleep is related to their media use. Specifically, the question was whether the use of screen devices in the hour before bedtime has a negative impact on sleep duration and awake phases. To do this, they recruited 105 families with small children (16 to 30 months old) from all over London.
The families were divided into three groups:
The children’s sleep characteristics were then recorded using an actometer. This is a measuring device that the children wore at night after a period of getting used to it during the seven-week study. A later survey revealed that parents in the PASTI group had limited screen consumption in the hour before bedtime. However, this was also the case in the second group. There, engaging with the “Family Bedtime Box” automatically reduced media consumption.
An advantage of the PASTI instructions on sleep characteristics was therefore only detectable in comparison to the third group. The result: The research team found an improvement in sleep efficiency and also a decrease in nocturnal waking phases. However, no effects on total nightly sleep duration were found. the parents’ involvement with the child (“Family Bedtime Box”) seemed to have the decisive influence on sleep.
A ban on tablets, smartphones or other screen devices in the hour before bedtime could therefore improve young children’s sleep, the researchers concluded. Parents should regulate screen time – especially in the evening – to improve their children’s sleep quality. The study authors recommend encouraging relaxing activities, such as reading or playing quiet games.
Previous research has found that media consumption before sleep can interfere with the production of the sleep hormone melatonin and stimulate brain activity. In addition, using social media or playing games on a smartphone or tablet can apparently have an emotionally stimulating effect, making it even more difficult to fall asleep.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Sleep Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to our interview segment! Today, we’re diving into a topic that affects countless families: children’s sleep habits. Joining us is Dr. Emily Carter, a leading sleep researcher from the University of London. Thank you for being here, Dr. Carter.
Dr. Emily Carter (DEC): Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such an important topic.
TNE: Let’s jump right in. We often hear that sleep is crucial for children’s development. Can you explain why this is the case?
DEC: Absolutely. Sleep plays a significant role in various developmental processes, including cognitive development, emotional regulation, and physical health. During sleep, the brain consolidates memories and learns from the day’s experiences—this is especially important for growing children.
TNE: That makes a lot of sense. Many parents struggle with bedtime routines, often finding their toddlers restless or unwilling to sleep. You recently conducted a study to investigate the impact of media usage on children’s sleep. Could you share some insights from that research?
DEC: Certainly! We recruited 105 families with toddlers aged 16 to 30 months and divided them into three groups to analyze the relationship between screen time and sleep quality. We specifically focused on whether using screen devices in the hour leading up to bedtime was detrimental to their sleep duration and quality.
TNE: Interesting! What did your findings reveal?
DEC: Our findings indicated that families who limited screen time before bed observed fewer wake phases during the night and longer sleep durations overall. This was particularly true for those in our PASTI group, which had strict guidelines on media consumption before sleeping.
TNE: So, a simple change like reducing screen time could significantly improve sleep? That’s a game changer for parents.
DEC: Exactly! Even just an hour of reduced exposure to screens can help children settle down more peacefully and enhance their sleep quality. It’s crucial because these small changes can have a lasting impact on their health and development.
TNE: What other practical tips can you offer to parents struggling to get their little ones to sleep?
DEC: Establishing a consistent bedtime routine is essential. This can include calming activities such as reading, gentle conversations, or even soft music. It’s also beneficial to create a cozy and dark sleep environment, which signals to the child that it is time to rest.
TNE: Those sound like excellent strategies. As parents implement these changes, what signs should they look for to gauge if their child’s sleep is improving?
DEC: Parents should monitor their child’s mood throughout the day and observe if they seem more alert and engaged. Additionally, checking for fewer night wakings and generally longer sleep durations can be strong indicators of improved sleep quality.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Carter. Your insights are invaluable for parents looking to enhance their children’s sleep habits. Any final thoughts?
DEC: Just a reminder that every child is different, and it’s essential to be patient and flexible in finding what works best. Also, if parents have persistent concerns regarding their child’s sleep, consulting a healthcare professional is a good step.
TNE: Thank you once again, Dr. Carter, for this enlightening discussion on such an important topic. We appreciate your expertise!
DEC: Thank you for having me!
TNE: That wraps up our interview today. For more insights into health and wellness, stay tuned to Time.news!