Screen media use and sleep patterns in Spanish adolescents during the lockdown of the coronavirus pandemic

Abstract

Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate screen media use and sleep patterns among Spanish adolescents during the lockdown (LD) of the first peak of the coronavirus pandemic. Methods Cross-sectional community-based study of adolescents aged 11–18 years. An online questionnaire with queries about screen time, sleep, and other healthy habits was completed by parents or guardians. Results Overall 265 adolescents were enrolled. The mean age was 13.6 ± 2.3 years, 58% were boys, 68% were in secondary school and 72% lived in urban areas. Before the LD (BLD) 87% of adolescents used electronic devices < 4 h/d, while during the LD (DLD) screen time was > 4 h/d in 75% of cases ( p < 0.0001). A delayed wake time and bedtime weekdays (BLD wake time weekdays: later than 09:45 0.0% vs. DLD 30%, p < 0.0001, and BLD bedtime weekdays: later than 00:30 3% vs. DLD 35%, p < 0.0001) and weekends DLD was observed. Adolescents who used electronic devices > 4 h/d DLD compared with those who used < 4 h/d reported more frequently long sleep latency (93% vs. 7%, p = 0.007), low sunlight exposure (77% vs. 23%, p = 0.031), less physical activity (86%. vs. 15%, p = 0.011) and weight gain (78%. vs. 22%, p = 0.049). Conclusions During the lockdown Spanish adolescents reported elevated screen time and delayed sleep patterns. An increase in screen media use was associated with unhealthy habits.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children’s sleep habits: an ECHO study

“…41,42 Similar results regarding sleep latency were observed in a cohort of adolescents during the pandemic, where participants who used electronic devices >4 h/ day compared with those who used them <4 h/day reported more frequently long sleep latency, low sunlight exposure, less physical activity, and weight gain. 43 Our results indicated a significant decrease in frequency of daytime napping, which is in line with other reports. 16,32 Reasons for the observed changes could be related to children being less tired due to decreased physical activity and increased screen exposure, in addition to the lack of structured routine generally provided in school environments.…”

Impulsivity and Depressive Brooding in Internet Addiction: A Study With a Sample of Italian Adolescents During COVID-19 Lockdown

“…Several studies have shown that during the pandemic adolescents' sleep quality was severely affected by the mobile phone use pattern, stress level, and sleep pattern, and that this can also weaken immune responses to infection (122)(123)(124)(125). Teenagers with weak self-regulation and self-control would be unable to resist their inner need to use mobile phones (e.g., escape motive), which may lead to an uncontrolled rise in mobile phone usage time and, ultimately, to problematic mobile phone use (PMPU).…”

Sleep Deprivation and Insomnia in Adolescence: Implications for Mental Health

“…Interestingly, sleep problems in adolescents during the pandemic have also been frequently associated with specific daily habits. Specifically, longer screen time [ 135 , 136 , 147 , 148 , 149 , 150 , 151 , 152 , 153 ] and lower physical activity [ 149 , 154 ] have been associated with different measures of poor sleep quality. Considering the influence of these variables on sleep habits in adolescents [ 14 , 155 , 156 , 157 ], these findings are consistent with the increased screen time and sedentary behaviors observed in youth during the pandemic [ 119 , 120 , 121 , 122 , 141 ].…”