Psychologist Yelena Matveeva, a children's sleep consultant, points out that children suffer from sleep disorders as a result of nervous system stress, and the main reason for this is a change in the surrounding environment.
According to her, changes in the surrounding environment, including the constant use of electronic devices, mean that the nervous system needs more time to reach a state of calm. She explained that the blue light emitted from electronic device screens affects the production of the hormone melatonin, leading to sensory fatigue.
She said: "In just 20 minutes, a child is exposed to more intense stimuli than they would receive during a whole evening of traditional play. The nervous system needs time to return to a state of calm, so it is advisable to put away electronic devices at least an hour before bedtime."
The expert pointed out that one of the reasons for sleep disturbances in children is the fast-paced and busy lifestyle, where children are preoccupied from a young age with activities, studies, and training, leading to delayed bedtimes. In this context, she urged against skipping naps early, given their importance even during school age.
She also refuted the common belief that tired children fall asleep faster, emphasizing that the nervous system, when exhausted, needs more time to reach a state of relaxation. She stressed the importance of establishing a regular daily routine for the child, considering sleep a fundamental need that impacts development.
She said: "The earlier parents start to consider sleep as an essential part of health, the easier it becomes to regulate it for all family members."
Dr. Anna Shatravkina also explained that lack of sleep can be an indicator of excessive electronic device use in children, noting that a child or teenager should be able to calmly put down their phone while eating, going out, or talking to their parents. She added that a child's excessive attachment to their phone and the occurrence of tantrums when it is taken away from them may indicate the beginning of addictive behavior.
