Study: Kids who sleep near smartphones get less sleep

Study: Kids who sleep near smartphones get less sleep
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New research suggests that sleeping in the same room as smartphones and other small screens is linked to less sleep in children.

A new study, published in the journal Pediatrics, looked at 2,000 Massachusetts children ages nine and 12. The children reported "significantly less regular sleep" when a smartphone was nearby, possibly because of notifications, Businessweek reports. Those who slept in the same room as smartphones and other small screens got nearly 21 fewer minutes of sleep a night than those who didn't sleep near electronics.

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The study authors admitted that more research is necessary to determine the correlation between smartphones and sleep deprivation. But with other research warning against using e-readers before bed, it might be a good idea to put a limit on your kids' screen time, especially at night.

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Meghan DeMaria is a staff writer at TheWeek.com. She has previously worked for USA Today and Marie Claire.