Impact of Adolescents' Screen Time & Nocturnal Mobile Phone-Related Awakenings on Sleep & Health Symptoms

Authors: Foerster M, Henneke A, Chetty-Mhlanga S, Röösli M

Year: 2019 Feb 12

Category: Public Health

Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health

DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16030518

URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/16/3/518

Abstract

Overview

Nocturnal media use has historically been connected to sleep disorders in teenagers, although previous studies generally encompass cross-sectional analyses that do not address the potential for reverse causality.

Findings

Utilizing data from the Swiss HERMES cohort—which included 843 children from grades 7 to 9—a longitudinal study was conducted to prospectively assess sleep problems or health symptoms in relation to electronic media and nocturnal mobile phone use.
Odds ratios (ORs) indicate significant risks associated with one or more nocturnal awakenings due to mobile phones, including increased likelihood of developing restless sleep (OR: 5.66) and difficulty falling asleep (OR: 3.51) over the course of a year.
High screen time was linked to various health symptoms such as trouble falling asleep, exhaustibility, lack of energy, and difficulty concentrating. For instance, adolescents with high screen time had an OR of 2.41 for falling asleep difficulties and an OR of 1.76 for exhibiting exhaustibility.

Conclusion

The study suggests a detrimental impact of screen time and mobile phone-related awakenings on adolescents' sleep quality and related health symptoms.

It is crucial to consider these findings in light of natural changes in adolescents' circadian rhythms, which might align with an increase in mobile phone and media usage. This points to a significant concern regarding EMF exposure and its link to health risks.

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