Examining the effects of evening tablet use on young children's sleep and behavior
Experimental Effects of Children's Evening Media Use on Circadian Phase, Sleep and Executive Functioning
This study is testing how using tablets before bedtime affects the sleep and behavior of preschoolers aged 4 to under 5 years.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 180 (estimated) |
| Ages | 48 Months to 59 Months |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Baylor College of Medicine Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Houston, Texas) |
| Trial ID | NCT05820555 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates how the timing of tablet use before bedtime affects the sleep patterns and executive functioning of preschool-aged children. In a randomized controlled trial, children aged 4 to under 5 years will be assigned to one of three groups: one hour of tablet use before bed, one hour of tablet use two hours before bed, or no tablet use at all. The study aims to determine if evening screen time influences children's circadian phase, sleep onset, and sleep duration, as well as their inhibitory control and working memory. The findings could provide insights into the impact of technology on young children's sleep and cognitive development.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are preschool-aged children between 4 and 5 years old living in the Greater Houston area, along with their parents or legal guardians.
Not a fit: Children with chronic medical conditions, sleep disorders, or cognitive impairments may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help parents and caregivers understand the effects of evening screen time on children's sleep and cognitive performance.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown varying effects of screen time on sleep and cognitive function, but this specific approach of timing tablet use is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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 uses. * Parent and child must be fluent in English. Exclusion Criteria: * The child has a chronic medical condition or takes a medication affecting sleep, or circadian rhythms (e.g., melatonin supplementation, diagnosed sleep disorder, steroid use, etc.) or a diagnosed cognitive or learning impairment affecting EF (e.g., attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). * Child with blindness or significant vision problems that impacts both screen media use and sleep.
Where this trial is running
Houston, Texas
- Children's Nutrition Research Center — Houston, Texas, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jennifer Coon
- Email: coon@bcm.edu
- Phone: 713-798-7143
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.