Chronic sleep deprivation and excessive screen time are increasingly linked to attention problems and overall health issues, especially in children and adolescents. Experts are warning about this ahead of the 25th Brain Awareness Week, taking place from March 16 to 22, organized by the Croatian Society for Neuroscience and the Croatian Institute for Brain Research, according to Hina.
Scientist Dinko Smilović highlights that brain development during childhood and adolescence is particularly sensitive to lack of sleep, as well as to growing exposure to digital content.
Circadian Rhythm and Sleep Needs
The circadian rhythm is an internal biological system that regulates the sleep–wake cycle. It signals when the body needs rest and when it is ready for activity.
According to updated recommendations, sleep requirements are higher than previously thought. Adolescents need between nine and ten hours of sleep, adults up to the age of 60 around eight hours, and older adults at least seven hours per day.
Quality sleep is essential for brain recovery and stable cognitive functioning. Long-term sleep deprivation has measurable consequences.
Health Risks of Sleep Deprivation
Chronic lack of sleep is associated with reduced concentration, a higher risk of injuries, and increased levels of stress hormones. Over time, it also raises the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Shift workers are particularly affected. A 2022 study found that mortality from cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in this group is increased by 31 to 40 percent.
In children and adolescents, the effects are more pronounced because the brain is still developing.
“Screenism” and Declining Attention
The term “screenism” is increasingly used to describe excessive reliance on digital devices and its impact on behavior and development.
Children who spend more than eight hours per day in front of screens, and in some cases up to 14 hours, may display behaviors similar to those seen in autism spectrum disorders. However, as Smilović explains, this is not autism. After a period without screens, social and communication skills typically return to normal.
Impact on Attention Disorders
Experts emphasize that sleep deprivation and digital exposure do not cause attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which has a strong genetic basis. However, they can significantly worsen existing symptoms.
Research shows that lack of sleep in children with ADHD increases impulsivity and inattention, while in preschool children it can raise hyperactivity levels by up to 3.2 times.
Excessive screen use further reduces sleep quality, increases stress levels, and weakens self-regulation.
Brain Awareness Week Brings Science Closer to the Public
This year’s Brain Awareness Week also covers topics such as the relationship between the brain and movement, as well as the neurobiology of love. The program includes lectures, workshops, and panel discussions for all age groups.
The goal is to make scientific knowledge about brain function more accessible and to highlight how everyday habits influence mental and physical health.
