Dados do Trabalho

Título

THE INFLUENCE OF SCREEN USE ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF SLEEP DISORDERS IN CHILDHOOD

Introdução

The use of electronic devices among children has increased exponentially in recent decades, raising concerns about their impacts on health and development. Particularly, prolonged exposure to screens is associated with sleep disorders, which can significantly affect children's neuropsychomotor development. The blue light emitted by these devices interferes with circadian rhythms and melatonin production, which is crucial for sleep regulation. Sleep disorders in childhood not only compromise the necessary rest for growth and physical recovery but also affect cognition, behavior, and emotional development.

Objetivo

Analyze the possible interferences of screen use in the development of sleep disorders in children.

Método

This is a bibliographic review study, where the search engines PUBMED and SCIELO were used, utilizing the descriptors (Screen Time) AND (Sleep Wake Disorders) AND (Child), with studies from the last 4 years (2020-2024), filtered for free articles only. Articles that did not fit the research theme were excluded.

Resultados

Most of the reviewed studies indicated that excessive screen use is associated with poor sleep quality, including shorter duration and longer latency to fall asleep. Excessive screen time was consistently linked to poor sleep quality, including issues such as insomnia, daytime sleepiness, short sleep duration, and increased episodes of parasomnia. Children who spend more than two hours a day watching TV or using mobile devices tend to exhibit these sleep alterations. The exposure to blue light emitted by tablets and cell phones suppresses the production of melatonin, resulting in a delayed circadian cycle, which makes it difficult to fall asleep and contributes to insomnia.

Conclusão

The influence of screen use on the development of sleep disorders in childhood is significant. Excessive time in front of televisions, cell phones, and tablets is clearly associated with poorer sleep quality, including insomnia, daytime sleepiness, and parasomnias. Prolonged exposure to screens, especially before bedtime, interferes with melatonin production and the circadian cycle, making it difficult to fall asleep and resulting in sleep disorders. Limiting screen time and adopting good sleep hygiene practices are essential to improving sleep health in children and adolescents.

Referências

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Palavras Chave

SCREEN TIME; Sleep Wake Disorders; child