A new study has found technology could be a contributing factor to sleep deprivation among Australian teenagers.

In the past, research showed television was the primary device preventing teens from sleep.

Now it seems interactive devices, including mobile phones, are what’s keeping our teens up at night.

Chloe Bassett reports.

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An online survey by the University of Sydney investigated the impact of technology on Australian teenagers sleeping habits.

The study surveyed 1,200 high school students. It found those who were unable to switch off from interacting with mobile devices in the evening were more likely to be sleep deprived.

The research also found teenagers who are on their phones all night suffered from a form of social jetlag.

Local experts warn teenagers who don’t get enough sleep may see negative side affects.

Simon Smith, QUT Senior Research Fellow: “You can’t think as the next day you might be irritable, you have trouble making decisions and so forth.”

Some other problems include not being able to think clearly, affecting how they perform at school and even weight gain.

Experts recommend teenagers should switch off mobile devices in order to combat the onset of sleep deprivation. If teens can’t help but use their mobiles all night, they suggest to remove them from the bedroom completely.

It’s believed teenagers having mobile devices in the bedroom at night during slumber could interfere with a full night’s sleep.

Jade Prittard, Senior Sleep Scientist: “Teenagers will get interrupted sleep during the night because of incoming calls and text messages.”

Experts say parents shouldn’t panic but if their child does have a problem sleeping, they should take a look in their bedrooms.

Chloe Bassett, QUT News.