Children and teenagers who spend too much time on screens and do not get enough sleep may face increased risks for heart and metabolic problems, according to a study published in the Journal of American Heart Association, as reported by OSF HealthCare on Mar. 18.
The findings are important because they suggest that everyday habits like screen use and sleep patterns can affect long-term cardiac health in young people. The study analyzed data from more than 1,000 children and teenagers in Denmark, finding that those with higher screen time—whether watching TV or using electronic devices for gaming or socializing—and less sleep had greater chances of developing high blood sugar, high blood pressure, and elevated cholesterol levels.
Natasha Noel, MD, a pediatric cardiologist with OSF HealthCare Cardiovascular Institute, said studies like this are valuable. “I liked the fact that they highlighted that everyday habits could have an effect on the cardiac health of kids and teens,” Noel said. “I also liked that they didn’t focus on weight alone, but they looked at other metabolic measures like high blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose.”
Noel explained how lack of sleep caused by late-night screen use can disrupt hormone regulation, metabolism, and blood pressure. “When you have lack of sleep for whatever reason, and in this case, maybe late, prolonged screen times, it could increase your insulin resistance,” she said. “It could increase your appetite, your weight, blood pressure levels.” She added that future research should include more diverse populations to better understand these effects.
The study also pointed out the importance of physical activity for cardiovascular health. Noel said: “Physical activity is one of the mainstays of treatment, especially when we do lifestyle management for high blood pressure and high cholesterol. But even with physical activity, that screen time and less sleep may be independent risk factors for cardiovascular health long term for kids.” She recommends families set ground rules such as limiting screens before bed and keeping a consistent bedtime routine.
OSF HealthCare contributes to community well-being by offering health guidance through its newsroom according to the official website. The organization operates a network of 17 hospitals along with urgent-care locations and clinics across Illinois and Michigan according to the official website. It provides services including emergency care, cancer treatment, heart services, neurological support and digital health options through OSF OnCall according to the official website.
Noel concluded: “It’s not about taking it out of the picture completely. It’s about balance and limiting it,” she said. “Believe it or not, the habits children build today—how they eat, how they move, how they sleep and how they use technology—could affect their long-term cardiac health.”
OSF HealthCare functions as an integrated nonprofit system managing hospitals under a unified ministry dedicated to community service according to the official website, serving both urban and rural areas across Illinois and Michigan.
