Experimental Effects of Children's Evening Media Use on Circadian Phase, Sleep and Executive Functioning
Baylor College of Medicine
Summary
To test the timing of evening tablet use on children's circadian phase and sleep (i.e., sleep onset and sleep duration) compared to no screen media use. To explore the effect of evening tablet use on children's inhibitory control and executive function.
Description
The goal of the study is to test the effect of tablet use before bed on the sleep, circadian phase, and executive functioning (EF) of 4-year-olds using a 3-group randomized controlled trial in which children are assigned to receive one of 2 experimental conditions (Group A:1 hour of tablet use in the hour before bed; Group B:1 hour of tablet use 2 hours before bed) or a control condition (no evening screen media use). It is hypothesized that in comparison to no tablet use, daily exposure to tablet use before bed will be associated with a delay in children's circadian phase (e.g., occurring lat…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 4–4 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * preschool-aged children (4.0 to \<5.0 years old) and their parent * living in the Greater Houston area. * parent must be a biological parent or legal guardian who lives with the child ≥50% of the time and has a primary role of caring for the child * parent is comfortable participating in the study and responding to questionnaires in English. * The child does not have to have access to mobile device, but if they do, the primary device they use has to be an Android OS ≥5.0 either used only by the study child or shared with others, or an Apple iOS ≥14.0 that only the child…
Interventions
- BehavioralTimed evening technology and digital media use (tablet use)
timing of children's evening tablet device use relative to bedtime
- Behavioralno technology and digital media use (screen media use)
no screen media use relative to bedtime (Tablets, computers, TV, moble devices, smart phone)
Location
- Children's Nutrition Research CenterHouston, Texas