How Digital Gadgets Are Affecting Your Child’s Circadian Rhythm? |

How Digital Gadgets Are Affecting Your Child’s Circadian Rhythm?

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How Digital Gadgets Are Affecting Your Child’s Circadian Rhythm?

Circadian Rhythm is the biological clock, that repeats every 24 hours, and is set by our own body. I am sure you have noticed a particular sleep pattern that your body follows. For most of us days are when we are fully alert, and night is the time when we feel drowsy and weak. There is a reason behind all this.

A part of your brain known as hypothalamus acts and reacts as per the time, such as when it is dark; your eyes send a signal to the hypothalamus that it’s about time the body should be resting. The brain then sends a signal to the body, which releases melatonin to make it feel tired.

A child’s body too is managed and run by this circadian rhythm. However, in the current times,too much exposure to digital screens is affecting kids’ sleep timing and biological clock. Generally, whatever your child is involved in, whether it is watching TV or playing with the iPad, it is all so engrossing that rarely do they take their eyes off the screen. Also, their posture, body movements, screen distance that should be maintained, and the brightness of the screen, everything affects their vision and health.

As a parent, you do want the best for your child, but there are times when to just keep them busy, or shut them up, you resolve to these gadgets, which is ok till the time you know how to discipline your kids.

Here are some ways by which you can protect your children from the adverse impacts of digital screens

  • Outdoor Games Compulsory
    Sedentary habits are harmful to your child’s body and mind. Which is why ensure that you fix a time for them, when they would have to compulsorily go out, play, and mingle with other kids. These form of activities also exercises long distance vision, thus reducing the chances of myopia.
  • Teach them to Blink Often & Take Breaks
    Continuously looking at the screen causes dry eyes. Therefore, as a prevention tell your kids to blink often. You can also make them practice it as a game, compete with them on who is able to blink for the most number of times etc. Also, teach them to apply the 20-20-20 rule that most opticians advocate. The rule implies you to take a 20 minutes’ break, focus on something which is 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
  • Abstain from Using Gadgets in the Dark
    Keep a close watch on the lighting condition, and accordingly discourage your child to use gadgets in a dark room or even in the bright sunlight. Ensure that the screen’s darkness or brightness is not three times brighter or darker than the surroundings.

Conclusion: Beyond everything, make sure that you inculcate a habit of sleep hygiene in your child. This does not only mean keeping them away from digital gadgets but also all other items that interfere in their sleep like a room with light and TV on.

How Digital Gadgets are Affecting Your Child’s Circadian Rhythm

Circadian Rhythm