A comparison of sleep habits and electronic media usage among Japanese children: a cross-sectional study

Background Children are increasingly exposed to electronic media, which can potentially influence sleep habits. Few studies have investigated how children’s life patterns affect their sleep habits and electronic media usage. This study aimed to elucidate differences in sleep habits and electronic media usage among 18-month and 42-month old children attending nursery schools or kindergartens or staying at home.Methods We included 183 18-month-old children (boys, n = 93; girls, n = 90) and 215 42-month-old children (boys, n = 104; girls, n = 111) who underwent health check-ups. Data concerning sleep habits and electronic media usage time were obtained by caregivers and compared using the chi-square test, Mann–Whitney U-test, and Bonferroni–Dunn post hoc analysis.Results At 18 months old, children attending nursery school had significantly earlier wake times on weekdays and shorter sleep duration on weekends than children staying at home, although there were no significant differences in electronic media usage. There were no significant differences in sleep duration among 42-month-old children attending nursery schools, kindergartens, or staying at home; however, children attending kindergarten demonstrated a higher use of portable and home video games.Conclusion Different life patterns affected electronic media usage in preschool children, especially those attending kindergarten. Particular attention should be paid to the higher usage of electronic media devices by kindergarten-attending children, although they slept for the same amount of time as other preschool children. Future studies are required to assess the content of electronic games and the ways in which preschool children use their time.