Abstract

Overview

This study investigates the association between the use of telecommunication devices and both subjective and objective sleep measurements in adolescents.

Purpose

The research aimed to explore how telecommunication and other screen devices influence sleep quality in teenagers aged 17-18.

Methods

• Cross-sectional study involving adolescents from a Spanish cohort established initially in Menorca (1997-1998).
• Data on device use was gathered via self-reported questionnaires.
• Mobile Phone Problematic Use Scale and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were utilized to evaluate mobile dependence and subjective sleep quality respectively.
• Objective sleep was assessed using ActiGraph wGT3X-BT & monitored over seven nights.

Findings

• Use of cordless phones correlated with poorer sleep quality.
  Prevalence Ratio (PR) 1.30 (95% CI: 1.04; 1.62).
• Problematic mobile phone usage associated strongly with reduced sleep quality.
  PR 1.55 (95%CI 1.03; 2.33) and PR 1.67 (95% CI 1.09; 2.56), respectively.
• Increased tablet use linked to lower sleep efficiency and increased awake time after sleep onset.

Conclusion

Significant findings highlight that frequent cordless phone calls, high mobile phone dependency, and extensive tablet use are associated with increased sleep issues in adolescents. This suggests that sleep displacement, mental arousal, and exposure to blue light may significantly impact sleep quality, potentially more than RF-EMF exposure to the brain.