Excessive screen time for preschool children can negatively impact their sleep, leading to issues such as poor attention, hyperactivity, and mood instability, according to a new study.
Published in *Early Child Development and Care*, the peer-reviewed research found a significant link between screen time and increased attention problems, emotional symptoms, and poorer sleep quality. The study, conducted by researchers from China and Canada, also showed that sleep quality is connected to fewer attention difficulties, reduced emotional symptoms, and fewer peer-related problems.
The findings suggest that sleep quality may play a key role in the relationship between screen time and these behavioral issues. In other words, poor sleep could partly explain why too much screen time leads to hyperactivity and emotional struggles.
Professor Yan Li, an expert in preschool education at Shanghai Normal University and the study’s lead author, said, “Our results show that excessive screen time may overstimulate preschoolers’ brains, making it harder for them to sleep well.”
Dr. Shujin Zhou, a psychologist at Shanghai Normal University, added, “Screen time can delay bedtimes and disturb sleep patterns, especially due to the overstimulation from screens and exposure to blue light. It can also replace sleep time, increasing arousal levels and making it harder for children to fall asleep.”
For their study, Dr. Zhou and colleagues surveyed the mothers of 571 preschool children, aged three to six, from seven public kindergartens in Shanghai. The mothers reported how much time their children spent on screens—whether TV, smartphones, or computers—during the past week. They also answered questions about the children’s behavior, including hyperactivity, emotional issues like frequent complaints of being unwell, and peer problems such as loneliness. Finally, the mothers assessed their children’s sleep quality and duration.
Dr. Bowen Xiao, co-author and expert in children’s socio-emotional development at Carleton University in Canada, noted, “Our results show a cycle where screen time and sleep issues reinforce each other, increasing the risk of hyperactivity, anxiety, and depression.”
The research team, which also includes professionals from Shenzhen Xili Kindergarten, believes their findings could help guide future treatments and interventions for young children.
“Understanding how screen time affects preschoolers and its link to behavioral problems—especially during the Covid-19 pandemic—is critical,” said Dr. Zhou.
The study suggests two key takeaways: First, limiting screen time for preschoolers could help improve behavior and sleep. Second, addressing sleep problems directly could reduce the negative impact of screen time on children’s behavior.
However, the study does have limitations, including reliance on mothers’ reports, which may be influenced by personal biases. The researchers recommend that future studies monitor children’s sleep quality using scientific tools for more accurate data.
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