Association between screen time and sleep patterns in preschool children: A cross-sectional observational study.

Pydimarri  Sirisha; Bekkanti  Kannaiah; Parvatham  Venkateshwarlu

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i6.1801

Authors

Dr . Pydimarri Sirisha Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Government Medical College, Kamareddy, Telangana, India
Dr. Bekkanti Kannaiah Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Adilabad , Telangana, India
Dr . Parvatham Venkateshwarlu Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Gandhi Medical College, Secunderabad, Telangana, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i6.1801

Keywords:

Screen time, sleep duration, preschool children, delayed sleep onset, night awakenings

Abstract

Background
The growing prevalence of screen-based devices in early childhood raises concerns about their impact on sleep health. Preschool children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of excessive screen exposure, which may disrupt normal sleep patterns essential for healthy development.

Objectives: To examine the association between screen time duration and sleep patterns, including total sleep duration, sleep onset latency, and night awakenings, in preschool-aged children.

Methods
A cross-sectional observational study was conducted involving 100 preschool children aged 3 to 5 years. Data on daily screen time and sleep parameters were collected using a structured parental questionnaire. Sleep outcomes were compared between children with screen time ≥3 hours/day and those with <3 Hours/day. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to assess the relationship between screen time and sleep metrics.

Results
The mean daily screen time was 2.7 ± 1.1 hours. Thirty-six percent of children had screen exposure ≥3 hours/day. The mean total sleep duration was significantly lower in children with higher screen time (8.7 ± 1.1 hours) compared to those with lower screen time (10.1 ± 1.0 hours; p < 0.001). Delayed sleep onset and night awakenings were also more prevalent among high screen-time users (p < 0.01 and p = 0.02, respectively). A moderate negative correlation was found between screen time and total sleep duration (r = -0.47, p < 0.001), and a positive correlation with sleep onset latency (r = 0.41, p < 0.01).

Conclusions
Excessive screen time is significantly associated with shorter sleep duration, delayed sleep onset, and increased night awakenings in preschool children. Limiting screen exposure may promote healthier sleep patterns in early childhood.

Recommendations

Caregivers should limit preschool children's screen time to under 3 hours daily, especially in the evening, and promote consistent bedtime routines to support healthy sleep duration and quality.

Author Biographies

Dr . Pydimarri Sirisha, Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Government Medical College, Kamareddy, Telangana, India

Dr. Pydimarri Sirisha is working as Associate Professor, Dept. Of Pediatrics at GMC, Kamareddy, since August 2023. She completed her MBBS from Osmania Medical College and MD, Pediatrics from Niloufer Hospital. Her thesis work on the topic - Early indicators of Autism received the Dr Chandrasekhar Chowdary gold medal for PG papers. She has teaching experience of 7 years, 3 months, with 3 publications. ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009 0004 1083 5180

Dr. Bekkanti Kannaiah, Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Adilabad , Telangana, India

Dr. Bekkanti Kannaiah is working as an associate professor at Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Adilabad, Telangana. He completed MBBS from S.V. Medical College, Tirupati. he did MD Paediatrics from Gandhi Medical College, Secunderabad. Teaching experience 7y 3months ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-9328-6206.

Dr . Parvatham Venkateshwarlu, Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Gandhi Medical College, Secunderabad, Telangana, India

Dr. Parvatham Venkateshwarlu, working as an Associate Professor at Gandhi Medical College, Secunderabad, Telangana. He completed MBBS from S.V. Medical College, Tirupati. he did MD Paediatrics from Niloufer Hospital. Teaching experience 7y 3months ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0008-0663-7914

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