Sleep Patterns, Electronic Media Exposure and Daytime Sleep-related Behaviours Among Israeli Adolescents

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess weekday and weekend sleep patterns and their relationships with electronic media (television and computer) exposure and with daytime sleep-related behaviours, including sleep problem behaviours, sleepiness and fatigue in Israeli adolescents.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey, which includes 470 8th and 9th grade middle school students (mean age 14 ± 0.8) in the normative school system, was performed. Students completed the modified School Sleep Habits Survey (SSHS), and the modified Electronic Media and Fatigue Questionnaire (EMFQ).

Results: Adolescents went to bed at 23:00 and 01:45 hours, and slept <7.5 and nearly 10.0 h on average, during weekdays and weekends respectively. Average electronic media exposure per day was about 3 h for television and 2.5 h for internet. Adolescents with a bedroom television went to bed later, had longer sleep latency and slept less than those without a bedroom television. Increased electronic media exposure and poor daytime sleep-related behaviours predicted later bedtime, longer sleep latency during weekdays and later wake-up time during weekends.

Conclusion: Poor sleep patterns in Israeli adolescents are related to excessive electronic media habits and daytime sleep-related problems. These findings raise a public health concern regarding lifestyle and functioning in young individuals.