Electronic Media Use at Bedtime in Early Childhood - Abstract
Nighttime use of electronic media (EM) including smartphones and tablets is reported to have detrimental effects on sleep. Survey-based studies demonstrate that EM use near bedtime and in bed is associated with shortened sleep duration and insomnia in adults and children. This report describes the case of a 3-year old boy who repeatedly used a smartphone while undergoing an attended in-lab polysomnogram (PSG). The child’s PSG results provide objective evidence supporting the adverse effects of EM on sleep quality and suggest a potential pathway for development of chronic insomnia. Providers should ask about EM use in young children with complaints of insomnia or restless sleep.