Social Media Has Impact On Sleep Patterns: Study

The increasing influence of social media on the daily lives of adolescents has raised significant concerns, particularly regarding its impact on mental health and sleep patterns. The U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory on Social Media and Youth Mental Health has highlighted potential links between social media use and poor sleep quality in young people. As these issues come to light, it is crucial for teenagers and parents to adopt effective measures to enhance sleep quality.

Key Findings from Recent Research

A recent national study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health delved into screen habits that are associated with better sleep among adolescents. The study, led by Dr Jason Nagata, an associate professor of paediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco, emphasized the importance of adequate sleep for the physical and mental growth of young individuals. Dr Nagata’s research found that adolescents who left notifications on, even in silent mode, experienced less sleep compared to those who turned their phones off completely or kept them outside the bedroom.

Practical Tips for Better Sleep Quality

The study offers several practical tips to improve sleep quality among adolescents:

Keep Screens Out of the Bedroom

Having electronic devices like TVs or internet-connected gadgets in the bedroom is linked to shorter sleep duration. Removing these devices from the sleeping area can promote better sleep habits.

Turn Off the Phone Completely

Leaving the phone ringer on or setting notifications to silent or vibrate is associated with less sleep. Adolescents should turn their phones off entirely or keep them outside the bedroom to minimize disruptions. The study found that keeping the phone ringer on increases the risk of sleep disturbance by 25%.

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Avoid Electronic Devices Before Bed

Engaging with social media, chatting online, playing video games, or watching videos before sleeping can significantly reduce sleep quality. Adolescents should avoid using electronic devices at least an hour before bedtime to ensure a more restful sleep.

Refrain from Using Phones if Woken Up During the Night

If adolescents wake up during the night, they should resist the urge to use their phones or check social media. Using electronic devices during nighttime awakenings can further disrupt sleep patterns. According to the study, one-fifth of adolescents reported using their phone after waking up during the night, which was associated with reduced overall sleep.

Study Insights and Implications

The researchers analysed data from 9,398 preteens aged 11-12, part of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study, the largest long-term study of brain development and child health in the United States. The data, collected from 2018 to 2021, included responses from adolescents and their parents about sleep habits and screen use at bedtime

The findings revealed that a significant number of preteens experienced sleep disturbances. Specifically, 16.2% reported being woken up by phone calls, text messages, or emails at least once in the past week, and 19.3% admitted to using their phone or another device if they woke up overnight. Dr Nagata noted that adolescents are extremely sensitive to phone notifications and often wake up instantly when they hear their phone. Even when a phone is on silent or vibrate, adolescents might still check it overnight, leading to increased alertness and difficulty returning to sleep.

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Bottomline

The influence of social media and electronic devices on sleep patterns among adolescents is a growing concern. Ensuring that young individuals get enough quality sleep is vital for their overall health and development. By adopting practical measures such as keeping screens out of the bedroom, turning off phones completely, avoiding electronic devices before bed, and refraining from using phones during nighttime awakenings, adolescents and their parents can work together to improve sleep quality. As research continues to shed light on the impact of social media on sleep, it is essential to stay informed and proactive in addressing these challenges.