More TV means less sleep for preschoolers. This, according to researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

The research team studied the rest and activity cycles of 470 preschoolers for 16 days. Additionally, they examined questionnaires completed by the parents about their child’s health and behavior, including how much TV they watched.

Researchers found that TV time affected the quality and duration of preschoolers’ sleep. Overall, children who spent less time watching TV, especially before bed, got more restful sleep.

This study demonstrates the harm that TV can cause children. Researchers say parents should limit their preschooler’s TV time to one hour a day to improve sleeping habits and overall health.

Source:

Helm, A. F., Spencer, R. (2019, April 13). Television use and its effects on sleep in early childhood. Sleep Health. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352721819300580?via%3Dihub