152 Prospective associations between pre-sleep electronics use and same-night sleep in healthy school-aged children

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Electronic media devices are ubiquitous in modern society and believed to adversely affect nighttime sleep. Cross-sectional research provides evidence of robust associations but prospective findings are limited and mixed. In this study, we examined the impact of specific types of electronics devices and overall use on objective and subjective sleep parameters the same night across one week. Methods The sample consisted of school-aged children (N=55) between the ages of 7 to 11 years. Hierarchical linear modeling was used to assess the impact of pre-bedtime electronics use on sleep the same night across 5 weekday nights. A sleep diary was used to record pre-bed electronic devices used and subjective sleep parameters. Objective sleep variables were assessed concurrently via actigraphy. Results The usage of different types of electronic media varied significantly between and within children across the five days. However, neither total electronics usage nor any individual type of device was found to significantly predict self-reported or objective sleep parameters the same night. Conclusion The extent to which the use of electronic media specifically within an hour of bedtime impacts sleep in school-aged children remains unclear. Future research should investigate these relationships using more robust methodology, including prospective designs and examination of relevant contextual and environmental factors. Support (if any) This study was funded by the National Institute of Mental Health [grant number #R21 MH099351] awarded to the last author.