Abstract
Background
Screen-based behaviours may influence sleep already in early childhood, yet evidence based on device-measured sleep among preschool children remains limited. This study examined associations between different types of screen use and sleep characteristics in Finnish preschool children.
Methods
Cross-sectional data from 1,081 children aged 3–4 years participating in the SUNRISE Finland Study were analysed. Children wore accelerometers for seven days (24 h/day). Sleep characteristics included total sleep duration, night-time sleep duration, daytime nap duration, sleep onset, wake-up time, sleep midpoint, and social jetlag (the difference in the midpoint of sleep between weekdays and weekend days). Sleep variables were calculated separately for weekdays and weekend days and then converted into weekly averages. Accelerometer data were available for 924 participants. Parent-reported screen use included total screen time, passive screen use (e.g. watching videos) and gaming (minutes/day). Mixed models accounting for family-level clustering were adjusted for sex, age, urban/rural residence, weather season and household education.
Results
Mean total sleep duration was 10:25 hours (SD 0:59) and night sleep duration 10:08 (SD 0:58) hours. Total screen time (mean 80 min) was not associated with sleep duration but was associated with later sleep onset, wake-up time and sleep midpoint. Gaming (mean 19 min) showed the most consistent associations: higher gaming time was associated with shorter total and night sleep, longer naps, later sleep onset and higher social jetlag. Passive screen use (mean 72 min) was mainly associated with later sleep timing and slightly longer naps.
Conclusions
Among Finnish preschool children, screen behaviours—particularly gaming—were associated with later sleep timing and less favourable sleep patterns. Distinguishing between types of screen use may be important when developing recommendations on screen use and sleep in early childhood.
Key messages
• Gaming is associated with shorter sleep and later sleep timing in preschool children.
• Considering different types of screen use may improve sleep and media recommendations in early childhood.