This new study links the increase in screen time to the lack of sleep

Jehana Antia | Updated: Nov 14, 2018, 12:28 IST
There are several studies to prove that an increase in screen time can be terribly dangerous to one's health. However, a study published in the journal Global Pediatric Health, warns that if your child has a habit of playing games on the smartphone before going to bed, he or she may face an increased risk of becoming obese. It will also affect your child’s sleep causing the lack of good sleep. The study revealed that children who use digital devices before going to bed clock an average of almost 30 minutes less sleep than those children who do not engage in those devices.

"We saw technology before bed being associated with less sleep and higher BMIs," said Caitlyn Fuller, a researcher at the Pennsylvania State University in the United States. "We also saw this technology use being associated with more fatigue in the morning, which circling back, is another risk factor for higher BMIs. So we're seeing a loop pattern forming," Fuller added.

According to the recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), parents should ensure that their kids do not spend too much time with digital devices before bedtime and that the devices are kept outside their bedrooms as a norm. Also, foods like cherries, honey and banana can help your kids sleep better.
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