Sleep and Screen Warning from Expert for School-Age Children
With the opening of schools, it has been reported that children's sleep schedules should be gradually returned to normal and screen use before bedtime should be limited.
Dr. Volkan Şahin from Karadeniz Technical University stated that the transition from the summer period to the school period should not be sudden, but established gradually regarding children's sleep routines. Şahin noted that screen use before sleep suppresses melatonin secretion and reduces sleep quality.
Transition Process from Summer to School
It was stated that children's sleeping hours may change during the summer months, and with the start of the school period, this routine should be restored gradually rather than all at once.
Screen Use and Melatonin Hormone
Children spending time in front of screens before going to sleep negatively affects sleep quality. The light emitted from the screen restricts the secretion of the melatonin hormone, extending the time it takes to fall asleep and shortening the duration of sleep.
This negative situation can lead to daytime drowsiness and attention problems in children.
Content Quality and Time Limit
Not only the duration but also the content watched is of great importance in screen use. Violent or age-inappropriate content reduces sleep quality.
Families need to set limits on screen use appropriate for their children's ages, and stay away from digital content especially about an hour before sleep.
Sleep Environment and Transition Routines
It is of great importance to keep the child's room as dark and quiet as possible for a quality sleep.
To facilitate the transition to sleep, it is recommended to acquire age-appropriate habits such as taking a bath or establishing a book-reading routine.
Joint Decision and Sustainability
It is emphasized that rules regarding screen use should not be imposed unilaterally, and making joint decisions with the child will increase the applicability and continuity of the rule.