There was a joke that aside from food, clothing and shelter — internet and gadgets are now added to the basic needs of human being.
It is indisputable. However, with these technologies and their unimaginable uses and functions, became addictive to many, and now pointed to some health related problems – causing sleeplessness.
In the recent survey conducted by C.S.Mott Childrens Hospital of University of Michigan, 56 percent of parents of teens who have sleep problems believe that excessive use of electronic gadgets cause sleeplessness to their children.
According to the survey, forty-three percent of parents reported that their teen struggles to fall asleep or wakes up and can’t get back to sleep, as they are so attached to their gadgets. A fourth of these parents said that their child experiences occasional sleep problems (one to two nights per week) while 18 percent believe their teen struggles with sleep three or more nights per week.
Not being able to stay off to their gadgets – browsing social media and playing games on cell phones – was the no.1 reason parents cited for sleep disturbance.
Other reasons that disrupts their child’s sleep schedules are their homework or related activities (43 percent), worries about school (31 percent), and concerns about social life (23 percent). Ten percent of the parents said that their teen’s sleep problems are related to a health condition or medication.
This new report is based on responses from a nationally representative household survey of more than 1000 parents with at least one child of 13-18 years old.
This poll suggests that sleep problems are common among teens and parents believe late-night use of gadgets is the main contributor.
Teens’ hectic schedules and homework load, as well as anxiety about school performance and peer relationships, also are seen by parents as contributing to sleep problems.
Parents polled say they’ve encouraged their teen to try different strategies at home to help with sleep problems. Among the strategies include limiting caffeine in the evening (54 percent), turning off gadgets (cell phones) at bedtime (53 percent), having a snack before bed (44 percent), and taking natural or herbal remedies, such as melatonin (36 percent).
Forty percent of parents of teens with frequent sleep problems have talked to a doctor about sleep struggles. Consulted doctors or experts frequently recommend turning off electronic gadgets (cell phones) at bedtime (72 percent), adhering to a regular sleep schedule (64 percent), limiting caffeine (47 percent), and taking natural remedies (42 percent).
When doctors recommended medication for teens’ sleep problems, it was twice as likely to be prescribe sleep medication rather than over-the-counter sleep or “nighttime” medicine, parents recalled.
Parents also cited that their teens continue to have frequent sleep problems, despite following recommendations for healthy sleep hygiene and preferred to talk with a health care provider, particularly when considering which type of medication to try.
The study cited that Inadequate or disrupted sleep may have long-lasting health effects that go beyond moodiness and irritability of the teens.
Sleep-deprived teens may have difficulty concentrating in school and those who drive have an increased risk of auto accidents.
Inadequate sleep has also been linked to health problems ranging from obesity to depression.
