An observational study finds that children (ages 8 to 11) have improved cognition if they cut back on screen time (less than two hours) and get the right amount of sleep (nine to 11 hours) and physical activity (one hour).
The study found only one in 20 children in the USA met all three guidelines. But, nearly one in three met none of them.
Leigh Richardson, licensed professional counselor and the founder of the Brain Performance Center, said
It's pretty scary that only 37 percent in the study could meet screen time limitations.
“When you get into that flight or fight state too often, or too intensely, the brain and the body have trouble regulating themselves back to a calm state, and this will lead to chronic stress,” said Richardson.
She said once that chronic stress sets in, blood flow is directed away from the higher thinking part of the brain.
Richardson said playing video games before bedtime has to be impacting children’s ability to fall asleep quickly and stay asleep.
“It’s easy how that can put you into a state of hyper arousal. And, when you get into that hyper aroused state, this triggers our nervous system and our hormones,” said Richardson.
She said it's very confusing to the brain when you get into that hyper aroused state...and stay there.