Sleep Disturbances and Overstimulation

Kids can’t sleep? Overstimulation from electronic devices may be to blame. Turn off the TV or computer two hours before bedtime.


Despite the fact that you probably know someone who repeatedly falls asleep in front of the TV, watching nighttime TV actually hinders sleep. The light from the TV suppresses production of melatonin, a hormone that maintains the body’s circadian rhythm, an internal 24-hour “clock” that plays a critical role in when we fall asleep and when we wake up.

With low levels of melatonin, the brain continues to think it’s daytime. Even if you get your kids away from the tube at night, computer use is another problem. In fact, it’s an even worse problem, since most people sit so close to the screen. The light shining in your child’s eyes can trigger her brain that it’s time to get up, not go to sleep! Your best bet is to get your kids to cut back on TV and computer use after 8 p.m., or at least one or two hours before they’re ready to hit the sack.

The same goes for you: This tip works for grown-ups too!