How does television weaken children's sleep?

How does television weaken children's sleep?

The use of computers, mobile phones and TVs at night affects the sleep of children, and thus their health, mood and performance in school.

Studies show that many children are severely deprived of sleep. One out of every three children aged 12 to 16 sleeps only 4-7 hours each night, according to a poll that has been carried out by the Advisory Board to sleep at 1000 young people.

Children of this age need 8 to 10 hours of sleep every night, experts say.

Researchers believe screens and other electronic devices are responsible, and recommend strict limits on the use of televisions, mobile phones or computers in the child's bedroom during the evening.
One out of every four children surveyed said that more than once during the week they sleep when they watch television, or they listen to music or other artistic trends.

Effects of lack of sleep

"Most teenagers do not get enough sleep and their feeling during the day," says Dr. Chris Udzkowski of the Sleep Center in Edinburgh.


Evidence shows that sleeping at night is as important as eating healthy and exercising for the growth of children. Those who do not get enough sleep are more likely to be overweight or obese. This is because they tend to crave to eat sugary or starchy foods during the day to save energy to keep them awake.

"It's a time when their brains are changing a lot," he said. "The brain undergoes a major restructuring and regeneration of brain tissue and sleep is important for this compensation."

"Children often tend to take their mobile phones to bed with them and start sending text messages without the knowledge of the mother and father."

"This distraction means that they are not in a relaxed state of good sleep, which affects their learning.

"I would put strict limits on the night on the use of a TV, mobile phone or computer in their bedrooms"