Another study suggests kids turn off the devices and get some sleep

Sleep Disord. 2014;2014:315808. doi: 10.1155/2014/315808. Epub 2014 Jan 28.

Association between Information and Communication Technology Usage and the Quality of Sleep among School-Aged Children during a School Week.

Ononogbu S1, Wallenius M2, Punamäki RL2, Saarni L3, Lindholm H4, Nygård CH1.

Author information

• 1School of Health Sciences, University of Tampere, Medisiinarinkatu 3, 33014 Tampere, Finland.
• 2School of Social Sciences and Humanities/Psychology, University of Tampere, Kalevankatu 5, 33014 Tampere, Finland.
• 3Tampere University of Applied Sciences, Kuntokatu 3, 33520 Tampere, Finland.
• 4Centre of Excellence of Health and Work Ability, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Topeliuksenkatu 41 aA, 00250 Helsinki, Finland.

Abstract

Objective. To determine the association between intensity of information and communication technology (ICT) usage and quality of sleep in school-aged children during a school week. 

Methods. In all 61 subjects, 10-14 years of age, a quasiexperimental laboratory study where criterions for inclusion were absence of prior medical condition and duration of ICT use. A portable device (Holter monitor) was used to measure heart rate variability (HRV) over a 24-hour period, while activity diary was used to record in 15-minute intervals ICT use and sleep and wake up time. Low and high ICT user groups were formed according to their intensity of ICT use. Statistical analysis was done with two independent samples tests and factorial ANCOVA. 

Results. The higher ICT users showed a lower sleep time standard deviation of normal to normal interval (SDNN) measures in comparison to the low ICT users. 

Conclusion. The intensive ICT use was associated with poorer quality of sleep indicated by physiological measures among children and adolescents. Knowing the crucial role of healthy sleep in this age, the results are reason for concern.