Relationship between Screen Time Duration and Sleep Quality in Children Aged 2–5 Years in Kupang
Background: The use of digital devices (gadgets) among young children continues to increase. Recent data show that approximately 39.71% of young children in Indonesia use mobile phones. Excessive screen exposure (screen time) can suppress melatonin production by up to 99% and reduce sleep duration. In Indonesia, the prevalence of sleep disturbances among preschool children reaches 44.2%; however, research on the relationship between screen time and sleep quality in East Nusa Tenggara remains very limited.
Methods: This study employed a correlational analytic design with a cross-sectional approach. A total of 70 children aged 2–5 years from the service areas of Sikumana Primary Health Center and Tarus Primary Health Center were selected using consecutive sampling. The study instruments included a screen time duration questionnaire and the Indonesian version of the Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ). Data were analyzed using the Chi-square test.
Results: In total, 52.9% of children had normal screen time duration (≤60 minutes/day) and 47.1% had excessive screen time (>60 minutes/day). Most participants (68.6%) had poor sleep quality based on CSHQ scores. Bivariate analysis demonstrated a statistically significant association between screen time duration and sleep quality among children aged 2–5 years (p = 0.001).
Conclusion: There is an association between screen time duration and sleep quality; excessive digital media use is related to poorer sleep quality in toddlers. Parents are advised to limit children’s screen time according to recommendations to maintain healthy sleep.