The impact of smart devices on children's sleep: a threat to growth hormone
Professor Abdulmu'in Eid Al-Agha, a professor and consultant in pediatric endocrinology and diabetes at King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Jeddah, warned of a growing and dangerous phenomenon threatening the health of future generations. He emphasized that the impact of smart devices on children's sleep is no longer limited to wasting time, but has extended to becoming a hidden thief of the growth hormone essential for their physical and mental development.
Timeline of screen development and the impact of smart devices on children's sleep
Historically, children's screen time was limited to watching television from a distance during the day or early evening. However, with the technological revolution of the last two decades, screens have transformed into portable devices that are practically glued to children's hands, even in their bedrooms. This radical shift in lifestyle has led to unprecedented health challenges, as tablets and smartphones have become an integral part of their nightly routines, prompting urgent medical intervention to understand the dimensions of this modern phenomenon.
How does blue light disrupt the biological clock?
Professor Al-Agha explained that prolonged screen use, especially in the evenings, leads to a severe disruption of the biological clock. The main reason lies in the blue light emitted from these devices, which inhibits the secretion of melatonin, the sleep hormone. This inhibition tricks the brain into thinking it is still daytime, keeping the child awake and active when they should be ready for deep sleep.
Health risks that go beyond daily fatigue
The problem lies not only in the duration of device use but also in its timing. Children's engagement with digital content right before bedtime keeps their brains in a state of alert, delaying entry into deep sleep and reducing its quality. As sleep debt accumulates daily, serious negative consequences emerge, including poor concentration, declining academic performance, and increased stress and behavioral problems. Furthermore, sleep deprivation is linked to a weakened immune system, making children more susceptible to illness, not to mention hormonal imbalances that can lead to obesity and metabolic disorders later in life.
Growth hormone at risk: The consequences of frequent sleep deprivation
Regarding physical growth, the consultant explained that growth hormone is primarily secreted during deep sleep, specifically in the early hours of the night. Frequent late nights or interrupted sleep deprive a child's body of the full benefits of this vital hormone. This deprivation not only affects the attainment of normal height but also hinders muscle development, bone density, and the development of cognitive brain functions.
Regional and international dimensions of the sleep deprivation crisis
These warnings are of paramount importance both locally and internationally. Globally, health authorities classify technology-induced sleep disorders as one of the modern public health threats. Regionally and locally, this phenomenon increases the burden on healthcare and education systems, leading to the development of a generation suffering from chronic health problems and diminished academic productivity. Addressing this danger represents a genuine investment in the future of nations and the health of their societies.
The role of the family in building healthy digital habits
Dr. Al-Agha emphasized that the family is the first line of defense. This requires establishing firm and clear rules, such as prohibiting screen use one to two hours before bedtime and creating a quiet, dark sleep environment. Alternative activities like reading or family conversations should also be encouraged. Most importantly, setting a good example is crucial; a child cannot be persuaded to put down their phone if their parents are engrossed in their own screens.
The professor concluded with a crucial message: a healthy lifestyle for children must be based on a clear balance between physical activity, proper nutrition, and sufficient sleep, along with healthy and regulated technology use. In short, the current generation lives in a digital environment that cannot be isolated, but it can be guided correctly so that it becomes a tool for learning and development, not a cause of harm to children's health and future.
