The role of emotional reactivity in a relation between sleep problems and the use of screen-based media among toddlers and pre-schoolers

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between toddlers’ and pre-schoolers’ sleep problems, screen-based media use, sleep regime and the role of child emotional reactivity in this relationship. This research is a part of an extensive national study. Participants are 754 children aged 2–5 years old, and their parents. Sleep problems were related to emotional reactivity and sleep regime. The longer screen time was associated with the higher levels of emotional reactivity, but not with sleep problems; however, emotional reactivity was significant for more sleep problems, inconsistent sleep regime and longer screen time. Results of paths analysis have revealed that emotional reactivity both directly and through the mediators – sleep regime, screen time and a screen-based device positioned in a child’s bedroom – significantly predicted sleep problems. Emotional reactivity plays a considerable role as a risk factor when examining the effect of screen media use for sleep problems.

KEYWORDS:

• Sleep problems
• screen-based media
• emotional reactivity
• sleep regime
• preschool age

Acknowledgements

This study is funded by Research Council of Lithuania (agreement no. GER-006/2017).

Disclosure statement

All authors confirm that there are no known conflicts of interest associated with the  manuscript entitled ‘The Role of Emotional Reactivity in a Relationship Between Sleep Problems and the Use of Screen-based Media among Toddlers and Pre-schoolers' that is submitted for publication and there has been no significant financial support for this work that could have influenced its outcome.

All authors confirm that the manuscript has been read and approved by all named authors and that there are no other persons who satisfied the criteria for authorship but are not listed. The order of authors listed in the manuscript has been approved by all of authors. All the authors of this manuscript have the significant input to the preparation of manuscript, data analysis, and research planning.

All authors confirm that all have given due consideration to the protection of intellectual property associated with this work and that there are no impediments to publication, including the timing of publication, with respect to intellectual property. In so doing all authors confirm that have followed the regulations of our institutions concerning intellectual property.

Ethics declaration

Any aspect of the work covered in this manuscript that has involved human participants has been conducted with the ethical approval of the Regional Ethics Committee of Biomedical Research. Informed consent was also obtained from all individual participants included in the research.

Data availability statement

Due to the nature of this research, participants of this study did not agree for their data to be shared publicly, so supporting data is not available.

Additional information

Funding

The Research Council of Lithuania [agreement no. GER-006/2017] have supported the research and preparation of this article but have not intervene and/or influenced the research and/or the content of manuscript.

Notes on contributors

Edita Baukienė

Edita Baukienė is a doctoral student of Institute of Psychology of Vilnius University.

Roma Jusienė

Roma Jusienė is a Professor of Psychology at the Vilnius University.

Rūta Praninskienė

Rūta Praninskienė is a Head of The Department of Children’s Neurology at The Hospital of Vilnius University Clinics of Santaros.

Lina Lisauskienė

Lina Lisauskienė is doctoral student of Faculty of Medicine of Vilnius University.