Tech in the bedroom unhealthy for teens

Teens today want the latest gizmos as they head back to school, but a new research paper posted in "Circulation," a journal of the American Heart Association, suggests teens are at risk of developing health problems due to lack of sleep. According to the study, those between the ages of 13 and 16 are sleeping less than 6.5 hours a night, making them prime candidates for high blood pressure in the future.

So what exactly is keeping kids up at night? Well, researchers are quick to blame the "technological invasion of the bedroom," which includes computers, video games, mobiles, and iPods. Apparently, teens stay up at night texting friends and listening to music, instead of getting at least eight to nine hours of sleep.

Now, this isn't the first time we've heard of kids getting junk sleep due to electronics. Dory pointed this out almost a year ago. What's new is the link between lack of sleep and blood pressure problems teens are at risk of developing because their rooms are too wired.

So what are parents to do? Perhaps it would be wise to either set an electronics curfew and/or keep all electronics outside the bedroom. I know more and more parents are setting up office spaces where kids can do their homework and surf the Web under their supervision, but then again, that may not work for everyone.

If you have any other suggestions, share them in the comments below. I'm sure your advice will help someone out there struggling with this same problem.

Link: Tired teens risking their hearts

Reasons why you should kick the TV out of your room
Are Your Teens Getting Junk Sleep?