Teens' Cell Talk at Night Can Be Tiring

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Why would using a cell phone just once a month raise the risk of tiredness? "Possibly kids who say they don't use their phone underestimate the real frequency of the behaviors. Or maybe once you've started considering using the phone, you remain 'switched on,' " Van den Bulck said. "After all, don't forget that cell phone use requires at least two people. People who call may expect to be called as well -- even if you don't call much, you may still end up being awake, awaiting a potential call."

So what's a parent to do? Simple, Van den Bulck said: Restrict or forbid cell phone use after bedtime. "To teenagers, I would say: Be strong! You may feel that you need to stay connected with your friends all night, but you gain nothing by tiring yourself out, which is what you would be doing."

The study is published in the Sept. 1 issue of the journal Sleep.

More information

Learn more about kids and sleep from the Nemours Foundation.