Screen Time, Sleep, and Heart Health in Youth: Insights from Dr. Brooke Aggarwal

Children and teens who spend more time in front of screens and get less sleep may face higher risks for developing heart-related health issues, according to a new study highlighted by ABC News. In the segment, Dr. Brooke Aggarwal, Associate Professor of Medical Sciences at Columbia University Medical Center and an Institute of Human Nutrition MS Program professor, explains how lifestyle habits in childhood can have long-term effects on cardiovascular health.

“It’s really the combo of shorter sleep with excess screen time that puts kids at increased risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke. The good news is that sleep acts like a buffer, so in our screen-filled world, if we’re protecting our children’s sleep and teenagers’ sleep, that will lower their risk for heart disease,” said Dr. Aggarwal.

While the study is observational and does not establish causation, it highlights the importance of balancing screen use with healthy sleep habits to reduce long-term health risks.

These findings matter because childhood habits may shape long-term heart health. Addressing both screen time and sleep together is essential for prevention, and families can benefit from promoting consistent sleep routines, limiting passive screen use, and encouraging more active or educational screen engagement.

Watch the full ABC News segment featuring Dr. Aggarwal here.