Effects of Video Game Playing on the Circadian Typology and Mental Health of Young Czech and Japanese Children

Abstract

The objective of this study is to examine the effects of video game playing on sleep-wake cycles and mental health of young Czech and Japan children. A cross-sectional survey with 497 Czech children (240 girls, 257 boys; mean age of 4.60 years; 49˚ - 51˚N) and 599 Japanese children (314 girls, 285 boys: 3.79 years; 33˚N) from 20 kindergartens and nursery schools. 20% and 30% of Czech and Japanese children had their own video game devices. Young children who played video games every day had later sleep and wake times (P < 0 .001) and were more evening-typed (P < 0.001) than those who did not every day in the both countries. The longer Czech children played video games per time, the later sleep and wake times were (P < 0.001). Czech children who played video games from 18:00 - 21:00 showed later sleep times and shorter sleep hours (P < 0.001) on weekdays than those who played at earlier times. Japanese children who played video games from 18:00 - 21:00 were more evening-typed and woke up later than those who played at earlier times (P < 0.001). Czech children who had their own video game devices had a higher frequency of anger than those who did not (P < 0.001). Ha- bitual video game playing in the evening may make children more evening-typed and it may also be speculated to make them more aggressive in both countries.