University of Louisville pediatric sleep medicine specialist Egambaram Senthilvel is available to comment on the new JAMA Pediatrics study “Children Who Watch More Television Sleep Less.” (See JAMA press release pasted below.)
In his own practice, Dr. Senthilvel has found patients’ sleep problems are commonly associated with excessive screen time, but for his patients, electronic devices are an even bigger problem than television. According to Senthilvel, the use of electronic devices can affect melatonin release. Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate sleep and wake cycles.
Lack of sleep can have significant long term consequences for children’s health and is implicated in a variety of problems, including school performance, obesity and cardiovascular disease.
Senthilvel is available Monday, Mar.10, at 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, Mar. 11, before 9 a.m. and Wednesday, Mar. 12, until noon.