Excessive smartphone usage could potentially pose health risks for adolescents, according to recent research findings.
In a recent study, researchers have found a significant association between excessive screen time in teens and adolescents and an increased risk of developing cardiometabolic diseases. This risk is further exacerbated by late-night screen use, shorter sleep duration, and later bedtimes.
The study, titled "Kids and teens who sleep less and use screens more may face higher heart risks," looked at total screen time, including cellphone use, video games, TV, and computer use. It aimed to measure children's future risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Key findings from the study reveal that each additional hour of daily screen time correlates with measurable increases in a composite cardiometabolic risk score. This score includes waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose levels. For adolescents, each hour increased waist circumference by about 1.3 cm, systolic blood pressure by 0.6 mm Hg, and elevated markers like apolipoprotein B[1][3][4].
Adolescents were found to be more vulnerable than younger children, showing more pronounced adverse outcomes. The risk elevation due to screen time is dose-dependent—meaning greater screen exposure leads to higher cardiometabolic risk[1][2][4].
Sleep duration and timing were identified as critical moderators. Shorter sleep and going to bed later amplify the cardiometabolic risk associated with screen time. Insufficient sleep not only worsens these risks but partially mediates the relationship between screen time and cardiometabolic dysfunction, possibly because screen use at night disrupts sleep quality and duration[1][4][5].
The study also found an association between screen time and the amount of sleep in children and adolescents. Biological plausibility is supported by metabolic signatures, a set of 37 blood biomarkers linked to lipid and glucose metabolism, which were identified to reliably predict high screen time exposure, reinforcing the association between screen behavior and metabolic disturbance[1][2][3].
Sex differences were also noted. While boys generally showed stronger associations between screen time and cardiometabolic risk, girls were especially vulnerable when high screen time coincided with later bedtimes[1][3].
The rates of type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents have been increasing. Given these findings, it is crucial to limit screen exposure before bedtime and ensure adequate sleep for cardiometabolic health in adolescents[1][2][4][5].
In addition, a long-term randomized trial, similar to the Framingham study, could provide a more accurate assessment of the potential risk of exposed screen time and sleep duration. Pediatricians should focus on asking questions related to physical activity and sleep in children.
It's worth noting that technology, such as smart devices like Apple Watch and Fitbit, can be used to enhance health by tracking health and physical activity. However, their impact on cardiometabolic health remains to be further explored.
Another study, the JAMA study, examines the effect of smartphone-enabled health monitoring devices on blood pressure control among patients after myocardial infarction. While this study does not directly address the issue of screen time and cardiometabolic disease in teens, it underscores the potential role of technology in health monitoring and management.
In conclusion, excessive screen time in teens and adolescents, particularly at night, is associated with an increased risk of developing cardiometabolic diseases. This risk is significantly worsened by shorter sleep duration and later bedtimes. It is essential to encourage healthy screen habits and promote adequate sleep for the cardiometabolic health of our youth.
