Teenage sleep is disrupted most by interactive screen use

The impact of screen time on sleep is well-documented, but new research indicates that interactive engagement is more damaging for teenage rest than passively watching television.

The findings, published in the Journal of Adolescent Health, analysed screen usage and sleep patterns of 15-year-olds and found that those who communicated with friends via screens or played video games in the hour before bed took 30 minutes longer to go to sleep than those who refrained from devices.

David Reichenberger, lead author of the study at Pennsylvania State University, said: "For a child, losing 15 minutes of sleep a night is significant. It's especially difficult when they have to get up in the morning for school. If they're delaying their sleep, they can't make up for it in the morning.

"Without adequate sleep, kids are at increased risk of obesity as well as impaired cognition, emotion regulation, and mental health."

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