Background media exposure prolongs nighttime sleep latency in Thai infants.
Less is known about the effect of screen time and sleep at a younger age on current sleep outcome in infants. Therefore, we examined whether sleep parameter at a younger age and daily exposure of electronic media could predict sleep outcomes in 12-mo-old Thai infants.



There were 208 typically developing infants enrolled since 6 mo old. Each main caregiver completed a sleep questionnaire and was interviewed for the infant's screen exposure at 6 and 12 mo of age. Nighttime sleep latency and sleep duration were calculated. Electronic media and sleep outcomes were analyzed using multiple linear regressions and path analysis.



Longer sleep latency at age 12 mo was predicted by longer daily duration of media exposure and longer 6-mo-old sleep latency. Infants who were exposed to electronic media above the median at both ages had longer 12-mo-old nighttime sleep latency compared with those who were exposed to the screen below the median at both ages.



Six-month-old nighttime sleep latency and 12-mo-old electronic media exposure could predict 12-mo-old nighttime sleep latency. Relative changes in media exposure over time can provide a better prediction of nighttime sleep latency in Thai infants than screen exposure at either time point.
Division of Growth and Development, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, The Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand.
Weerasak
W
Chonchaiya
Division of Growth and Development, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, The Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand.
Tanaporn
T
Wilaisakditipakorn
Division of Growth and Development, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, The Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand.
Nakul
N
Vijakkhana
Division of Growth and Development, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, The Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand.
Chandhita
C
Pruksananonda
D017028:Caregivers; D003201:Computers; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D016014:Linear Models; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D012890:Sleep; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013690:Television; D013785:Thailand; D013997:Time Factors