Examining how evening light and media affect children's sleep and emotions
Experimental Effects of Light And Content From Evening Screen Media Use On Children's Sleep, Executive Functioning, And Emotion Regulation
This study is testing how different types of evening screen time, like bright or dim lights and calming or exciting shows, affect the sleep and emotions of kids aged 8 to 11.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 220 (estimated) |
| Ages | 8 Years to 11 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Baylor College of Medicine Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Houston, Texas) |
| Trial ID | NCT06192745 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project investigates the effects of evening light exposure from tablet devices and the type of media content on children's sleep regulation, circadian rhythms, and next-day emotional and executive functioning. A total of 200 children aged 8 to 11 will be randomly assigned to different conditions involving bright or dim screens and calming or exciting content. Each child will participate in both experimental and control weekends, where they will either use screens or engage in non-screen-based activities before bedtime. The study aims to provide insights into how screen use impacts children's sleep and emotional health.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 8 to 11 years who sleep alone most nights and have a consistent sleep schedule.
Not a fit: Children who do not meet the age criteria or have significant sleep disorders may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help improve sleep quality and emotional regulation in children by informing guidelines on screen use before bedtime.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated that screen time and light exposure can significantly affect sleep patterns and emotional regulation, suggesting this approach has a foundation in existing research.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * children between 8.0 and 11.9 year old * Tanner stage 1 and 2 * live with their parent(s) (biological or legal guardian at least 50% of the time and has a primary role of caring for the child). * Children who sleep between 8.5 to 11 hours per night habitually * Children must sleep alone most nights * parent and child able to communicate and read and write in English * The child does not have to have access to a mobile device (tablet or Phone), but if they do, the primary device they use has to be an a) Android OS ≥5.0 either used only by the study child or shared with others, b) Amazon Fire OS ≥5.0 that only the child uses or c) an Apple iOS ≥14.0 that only the child uses. * If the child's primary device is a Android or Amazon Fired device, the parent and child agree to install Chronicle App (Android or Amazon). If the child's primary device is an Apple device, the parent and child agree to allow us to gather usage screenshots from the primary iPad or iPhone. * Families must live in the greater Houston area. Exclusion Criteria: * child blindness or colorblindness * significant vision problems * developmental or cognitive delays * diagnosis of a sleep or psychiatric disorder * diagnosed cognitive or learning impairment affecting executive functioning (e.g., attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) * medical conditions that impact sleep * taking medications that impact sleep * travel beyond 2 time zones in the month before starting the study
Where this trial is running
Houston, Texas
- Children's Nutrition Research Center — Houston, Texas, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jennette P Moreno, PhD — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Insia Raza, MPH
- Email: insia.raza@bcm.edu
- Phone: 713-798-0555
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.