In the latest episode of The Kardashians, Kim Kardashian revealed that she has tried to implement screen time restrictions for her children, especially her oldest daughter, North West. However, a recent interview with North suggests that Kim might not have fully implemented this plan, as North shared her nightly habit of sleeping with the TV on. This is a common habit among many children, but experts warn it may have adverse effects on health and sleep quality.
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Kim Kardashian’s Decision to Limit Screen Time
Kim Kardashian shared in the latest episode that she felt the need to limit her children’s screen time after a therapist advised it could improve their behavior and sleep. As the mother of four – North (11), Saint (8), Chicago (6), and Psalm (5) – Kim admitted that enforcing this rule wasn’t easy, as she feared the fuss and resistance it could cause.
In a conversation with her sister Khloe Kardashian, Kim admitted that she had never imposed strict screen time rules because she worried about the potential chaos. However, after consulting with an expert, Kim decided to give it a try. Despite her intentions, a recent interview with North reveals that she still has the habit of sleeping with the TV on every night – something Kim acknowledges she couldn’t change.
Effects of Sleeping with the TV On
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Sleeping with the TV on not only affects sleep but can also have a broader impact on overall health, especially for children. Freddie Garnham, Lighting Design Engineer at Dyson, explained, “Light is a critical factor in maintaining our body’s natural circadian rhythm. Exposure to blue light from electronic devices, especially during sleep, can disrupt the sleep cycle and impact sleep quality.”
Sleep is crucial for children’s development and health. While sleeping, the body regenerates and repairs cells and strengthens the immune system. However, light and continuous noise from the TV can disrupt this process, preventing children from experiencing deep, restful sleep. For North, the nightly habit of sleeping with the TV on could impact her health, causing fatigue and reduced focus.
Why Sleeping with the TV On Can Be Harmful
Studies have shown that light and noise from the TV can disrupt the body’s circadian rhythm. The circadian rhythm regulates our sleep-wake cycle based on natural light and darkness. When exposed to light from the TV, particularly blue light, the body may misinterpret this as daytime and delay the production of melatonin – the hormone that regulates sleep. This makes it difficult for the body to enter deep sleep stages, resulting in inadequate sleep quality.
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Moreover, the noise from the TV, even if it doesn’t fully wake a child, can disrupt the REM sleep phase – a crucial stage for energy restoration and mental rejuvenation. For children like North, insufficient REM sleep can adversely affect memory, learning abilities, and daily behavior.
Kim’s Response and Challenges of Motherhood
Kim Kardashian has attempted to implement screen time limits to improve her children’s behavior and sleep. However, as a single mother with many responsibilities, Kim may find it challenging to enforce these rules consistently. North’s habit of sleeping with the TV on reflects both her independence and personality, posing a significant challenge for Kim in creating a healthy living environment for her children.
In an interview with Interview Magazine, Kim shared, “Every night when North goes to sleep, she needs to have the TV on, no matter what.” Even when Kim referred to it as a “fun fact,” North responded, “That’s not a fun fact,” emphasizing that this habit has become an integral part of her daily life.
Expert Advice and Tips for Better Sleep
Experts recommend that parents establish healthy sleep habits for their children, including limiting screen time before bed. Instead of leaving the TV on, parents can help children relax by reading books, listening to soft music, or practicing deep breathing exercises to reduce stress and promote sleep.
Freddie Garnham, the lighting expert, also advises that parents minimize light exposure from electronic devices in children’s bedrooms and create a dark, quiet environment to help the body naturally produce enough melatonin and regulate its circadian rhythm.
The habit of North West sleeping with the TV on may not only affect her sleep quality but could also have long-term implications for her health. While Kim Kardashian has received advice from experts and attempted to set screen time limits for her children, implementing this effectively remains a challenge for her. Hopefully, Kim will find a reasonable solution to ensure her children’s health and healthy development.