The relationship between problematic media use and sleep problems in preschool children: A descriptive cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between problematic media use and sleep problems in preschool children.

Methods

A total of 152 children and their parents participated in this descriptive and cross-sectional study. Data were collected through the Descriptive Information Form, the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ), and the Problematic Media Use Measure-Short Form (PMUM-SF).

Results

The mean age of children included in the study was 5.12 ± 0.62 years. The most frequently used screen-based media device was television (n = 71; 46.7 %). The average screen time was 105.00 ± 63.51 min, with a range of 10–300 min. A statistically significant, positive correlation was found between the Problematic Media Use Measure-Short Form and Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire scores. Additionally, it was determined that screen time had a statistically significant positive correlation with the Problematic Media Use Measure-Short Form and Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire scores. Furthermore, problematic media use was determined to significantly affect sleep problems.

Conclusion

The study's results confirmed that children's problematic media use had a statistically significant effect on their sleep problems. As children's problematic media use levels increased, their sleep problem levels increased. Our study also showed that as screen time increased, the level of problematic media use and sleep problems increased. To prevent problematic media use and sleep problems in children, intervention programs focused on limiting children's screen time and improving their sleep quality are recommended.