Parents urged to remove technology from children’s bedrooms as it can cause anxiety and sleep loss
London (PRWEB UK) 18 November 2013 -- A new study by Dalhousie University in Canada has revealed that televisions, computers and mobile phones in children’s bedrooms can cause anxiety and sleep loss. (http://bit.ly/185GV4B)
The study published in the Journal of Paediatric Psychology revealed that losing just an hour’s sleep for four consecutive nights can make it harder to solve maths problems and impede memory.
Omar El-Gohary, Superintendent Pharmacist at ChemistDirect said: “First and foremost, parents should try to create a relaxing space in their children’s bedroom. They should try to remove televisions and any electronics such as games consoles, which can stimulate the child and change their mood.”
In the study, researchers followed 32 children, aged between eight and 12, who slept, on average, for nearly nine hours a night. The children maintained their usual routines for the first week and then the group was split in two, with half going to bed an hour later for four consecutive days. The other half went to bed an hour earlier than usual.
After the four days, all children were tested to assess their maths skills, attention span, and both short-term and working memory. Parents also kept a log of their behaviour. The results revealed that the youngsters who slept less had impaired functioning. (http://dailym.ai/1j6Au2T)
El-Gohary added: “Although it’s common for children to have these distractions parents need to monitor their bedtime and make sure that their children are getting enough sleep.
“Encouraging children to go to bed earlier – perhaps ten minutes at a time – can help, and a hot milky drink and a bath also help them to relax in the evening.”
He also reminded parents to be aware of the light from mobile phones, tablets and computers, which can also affect the body clock and sleep.
He added: “These devices should always be switched off at night, and children and teenagers should be encouraged to relax before going to bed.”
Samantha Smith, Chemist Direct, +44 1215414952 Ext: 205, [email protected]
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