DIGITAL HYPERSTIMULATION, SLEEP ALTERATIONS AND BRUXISM IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS: POSSIBLE DOPAMINERGIC MECHANISMS IN A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

The growing exposure of children and adolescents to digital devices has raised interest in their possible effects on sleep and bruxism. This study aimed to analyze scientific evidence on the association between digital hyperstimulation, sleep alterations, and bruxism in children and adolescents, discussing possible neurobiological mechanisms, particularly dopaminergic modulation. A narrative literature review was conducted using PubMed and the Consensus platform between April and September 2026. Observational studies, clinical trials, and reviews addressing digital exposure, sleep, bruxism, and dopaminergic mechanisms were considered. The findings indicated a consistent association between greater electronic media exposure and changes in sleep duration and quality. However, evidence for a direct relationship between screen time and bruxism remains heterogeneous, with very low certainty. Although dopaminergic mechanisms are a biologically plausible hypothesis, direct causal evidence demonstrating this relationship in children is lacking. Digital exposure may therefore be one of several factors associated with bruxism. Multifactorial clinical assessment and longitudinal studies are needed to clarify the potential underlying mechanisms.