Screen Time, Sleep, and Child Health: Current Evidence and Emerging Perspectives

Abstract

Background. The widespread use of digital devices has substantially increased children’s exposure to screens, raising concerns about its potential impact on sleep. Adequate sleep is essential for healthy physical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral development during childhood.

Aim. This review aims to summarize current evidence on the association between screen time, sleep and health in children and to discuss the potential mechanisms underlying this relationship.

Material and methods. Studies were selected from PubMed, including publications from 2020 to 2026. The search terms included „screen time”; „children”; „sleep disorders”, „children health”.  Non-English articles were excluded.

Results. Available evidence suggests that excessive screen exposure, particularly during the evening and before bedtime, is associated with shorter sleep duration, delayed sleep onset, poorer sleep quality, and increased risk of sleep disturbances. Several mechanisms may contribute to these effects, including exposure to short-wavelength light and suppression of melatonin secretion, delayed bedtime, psychological and cognitive stimulation, and sleep disruption caused by notifications or overnight device use. Sleep disturbances associated with excessive screen time may subsequently contribute to daytime fatigue, impaired attention and learning, behavioral difficulties, and adverse physical and mental health outcomes. However, the relationship is complex and may be influenced by age, type of device, content consumed, timing of exposure, and individual and family factors.

Conclusions. Further longitudinal and intervention studies are needed to clarify causality and determine effective strategies for reducing the negative effects of screen exposure on pediatric sleep. Promoting healthy sleep hygiene and limiting screen use, particularly before bedtime, should be considered important components of preventive pediatric care.