Patna Doctors Sound Alarm Over Screen Time's Impact on Children's Sleep
Medical professionals in Patna have issued a stark warning about a growing public health concern: excessive screen time is severely disrupting the sleep patterns of children and teenagers, with potentially serious consequences for their development and well-being.
Sharp Rise in Complaints Post-Pandemic
City-based paediatrician Dr Umairah Naaz has observed a dramatic increase in complaints related to excessive screen exposure since the Covid-19 period. "This has directly and negatively affected children's sleep cycles," she stated, emphasizing that young individuals require a minimum of six to eight hours of quality sleep nightly for healthy growth, as critical hormones are released during these rest periods.
A Modern Epidemic: From Rare to Routine
Dr Santosh Kumar, Professor and Head of the Psychiatry Department and De-addiction Unit at Nalanda Medical College and Hospital, highlighted the stark contrast with the past. "Such complaints were exceedingly rare 15 to 20 years ago, before mobile phones became ubiquitous," he noted. Today, he encounters an average of five cases daily where parents report their children are "constantly glued to screens"—including mobile phones, laptops, and televisions.
Dr Kumar detailed the multifaceted harm caused by this overexposure. "Children are increasingly reporting sleep disorders, waking up at night, morning headaches, and poor concentration," he explained. The repercussions extend beyond mental fatigue, potentially affecting gut health, leading to digestive issues, and even impacting cardiac health over time.
While acknowledging technology's unavoidable role, Dr Kumar urged for vigilant supervision of children's screen time and the enforcement of proper sleep schedules. His practical advice includes encouraging book reading to improve cognitive retention and implementing a strict "no screens after 7 pm" rule.
The Vital Role of Uninterrupted Sleep
Dr Rajeev Ranjan Prasad, Director at Mahavir Vatsalya Hospital, underscored the fundamental importance of uninterrupted sleep for both mental and physical health. It is essential for brain development, emotional stability, memory consolidation, concentration, immune function, and overall wellness.
He clarified the differing needs across age groups: while adults require approximately six hours, children need about eight to ten hours of sleep for proper growth. "Sleep is a must for proper physical activity, and being physically active is a must for good sleep. They are interdependent," Dr Prasad asserted, advising parents to prioritize involving children in physical activities over screen-based engagement.
Visible Impact in the Classroom
The problem is manifesting visibly in educational settings. A teacher from a private school in Patna reported observing signs of sleep deprivation even among very young pupils. Several kindergarten students have been seen yawning or falling asleep during lessons. Alarmingly, some children have confessed to teachers that they stay awake late into the night watching content on mobile phones, often with their mothers.
A National Sleep Crisis
This local concern reflects a broader national trend. One study indicates that nearly half of India's population sleeps for less than six hours per night. Experts confirm that complaints of disturbed sleep, once primarily an adult issue, are now being reported with increasing frequency among children and adolescents.
Specialists point to a specific, growing habit as a primary culprit: the use of smartphones in bed, often for scrolling through social media, gaming, or watching videos late into the night. This behavior is significantly eroding both the duration and the quality of sleep among the youth, setting the stage for a generation facing preventable health challenges.
