Recent research indicates that extended screen time among children and young adults is associated with an increased risk of cardiometabolic diseases, such as hypertension, elevated cholesterol levels, and insulin resistance. This study underscores the potential long-term health implications of excessive screen exposure, particularly when it coincides with inadequate sleep.
The findings stem from a study conducted by Danish researchers, who identified a notable increase in cardiometabolic risk scores and a distinct metabolic pattern in individuals who frequently use screens. The research focused on two groups: one comprising 10-year-olds monitored in 2010 and another of 18-year-olds assessed in 2000. The researchers analyzed how leisure screen activities—such as watching television, playing video games, and using mobile devices—correlate with various cardiometabolic risk factors.
To evaluate overall risk, the team developed a composite cardiometabolic score, which incorporated multiple components of metabolic syndrome, including waist circumference, blood pressure, levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood glucose levels. Adjustments were made for age and sex to ensure the accuracy of results.
The analysis revealed that each additional hour of recreational screen time was associated with an increase of approximately 0.08 standard deviations in the cardiometabolic score for the younger group and 0.13 standard deviations for the older group. For instance, a child engaging in three extra hours of screen time daily might face a risk elevation of about a quarter to half a standard deviation compared to peers. While this change may seem minimal per hour, the cumulative effects of several hours daily can be significant.
Moreover, insufficient sleep and later bedtimes exacerbated the link between screen time and cardiometabolic risk. Youth who reported shorter sleep durations exhibited a markedly higher risk relative to their screen exposure. In a machine learning analysis, researchers identified a unique pattern of blood metabolites that appeared to correlate with screen usage.
It is important to note that this study was observational, indicating that it establishes associations rather than direct causation. Additionally, screen time data for both age groups were reported by parents through questionnaires, which may not fully reflect actual screen usage.
According to a 2023 statement from the American Heart Association, the accumulation of cardiometabolic risk is becoming more prevalent among younger populations. Data from the 2013-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey revealed that only 29% of U.S. youth aged 2 to 19 exhibited favorable cardiometabolic health.
The researchers concluded that promoting better sleep habits and balanced daily routines could mitigate the adverse effects of excessive screen time, thereby supporting lifelong health. This research is published in the Journal of the American Heart Association under the title “Screen Time Is Associated With Cardiometabolic and Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Childhood and Adolescence.”
