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National data showed that delayed sleep in six‐year‐old children was associated with excessive use of electronic devices at 12 years
Author(s) -
Kato Tsuguhiko,
Yorifuji Takashi,
Yamakawa Michiyo,
Inoue Sachiko
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
acta paediatrica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.772
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1651-2227
pISSN - 0803-5253
DOI - 10.1111/apa.14255
Subject(s) - medicine , bedtime , odds ratio , confidence interval , screen time , odds , logistic regression , demography , mobile phone , longitudinal study , bedroom , psychiatry , physical therapy , physical activity , telecommunications , civil engineering , pathology , sociology , computer science , engineering
Aim Cross‐sectional studies have shown associations between adolescent sleep problems and the use of electronic devices, such as mobile phones, but longitudinal studies remain scarce. We explored any association between delayed bedtimes at six years old and the excessive use of electronic devices at 12 years of age. Texting was a prime focus. Methods We analysed 9607 adolescents who owned mobile phones in 2013 using the Japanese Longitudinal Survey of Newborns in the 21st Century, which started in 2001. The outcomes were daily excessive use of a mobile phone, television (TV) and video games. Results Delayed bedtime at the age of six years was associated with excessive texting at weekends. The adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals obtained from logistic regression analyses were 1.88 (1.14–3.10) for the 10–11 pm group and 1.98 (1.08–3.63) for the after 11 pm group, compared with the before 9 pm group. Later bedtimes were also associated with increased risks of excessive TV viewing and video game use. Conclusion Our study indicated that six‐year‐olds who regularly stayed up late at night used electronic devices more frequently, or for longer, at the age of 12. Parents need to be more aware of links between sleep issues and electronic devices.