Late-night use of gadgets leaves kids sleep-deprived: Study

Most parents believe that an excessive late night use of gadgets has significantly hampered the sleep patterns of their teenaged children, leading to poor academic performance, researchers warn.

According to them, 56 percent of parents fall into this category.

In the study, published by C.S. Mott Children's Hospital National Poll on Children's Health at the University of Michigan, 43 percent of parents said their teenage children are struggling to fall asleep or wake up.

"The poll suggests that sleep problems are common among teenagers and parents believe the late-night use of electronics is the main contributor," said Sarah Clark, poll co-director at M.P.H.

For the study, the researchers included responses from 1,018 parents with at least one child who is aged between 13-18 years of age.

Teenagers' hectic schedules and homework load -- as well as anxiety about school performance and peer relationships -- are also seen by parents as contributing to sleep problems.

Some parents also reported that their child experienced occasional sleep problems (one to two nights per week) while 18 percent believe their teenage kids struggle with sleep three or more nights per week.

In addition, 10 percent of parents believes their teenage kids' sleep problems are associated with their health conditions or medication.

"Other reasons of sleep disturbances included irregular sleep patterns due to homework or activities which accounted for 43 percent, worries about school (31 percent) and concerns about social life (23 percent), the study noted.

The parents have encouraged their children to try different strategies at home to help them cope up with sleep problems, including limiting caffeine in the evening (54 percent), turning off electronics and cell phones at bedtime (53 percent), having a snack before bed (44 percent) and natural or herbal remedies, such as melatonin (36 percent).

Twenty-eight percent of parents said their kids have also tried some type of medication to address sleep problems.

"Parents whose teen continue to have frequent sleep problems, despite following recommendations for healthy sleep hygiene, may want to talk to a health care provider, particularly when considering which type of medication to try," said Clark.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)