Comparative study shows differences in screen exposure, sleep patterns and sleep disturbances between Jewish and Muslim children in Israel

Aim This study determined the differences in screen exposure, sleep patterns and sleep disturbances, and the associations between these factors, among Jewish and Muslim children in Israel. Methods The participants were 1049 school children – 499 Jewish and 550 Muslim – with a mean age of 9.2 ± 0.7 years, who attended public schools in both urban and rural residential settings in 2014. They all completed the Sleep Self‐Report questionnaire and the Screen Exposure Questionnaire. Results Muslim children reported increased screen time, despite having fewer televisions and computers in their bedroom than Jewish children. Muslim children also reported earlier bedtimes and longer sleep duration, but greater sleep disturbances. Having screens in bedrooms and non‐school days were related to later bedtimes and later wake‐up times for all children. Children who spent four or more hours watching television or using a computer on school days reported significantly more sleep disturbances than children with lower usage. Conclusion Muslim children with a mean age of nine years reported longer screen exposure, earlier bedtimes and longer sleep duration, but more sleep disturbances, than Jewish children. Cultural sleep practices may contribute to the differences in sleep patterns and sleep disturbances of Jewish and Muslim children in Israel.