A recent study reveals that using smartphones or electronic devices right before bedtime can cause insomnia.
Frontiers, an online open-access publisher, reported research led by Dr. Gunnhild Johnsen Hjetland from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. The study found a strong link between pre-sleep screen time and sleep disorders.
Screen use is also cited as a cause of sleep deprivation. The research team surveyed 45,202 Norwegian university students aged 18 to 28 to examine their pre-bedtime screen habits.
They analyzed groups that only used social media, those that did not use it, and those that engaged in various activities including social media. They also evaluated sleep and wake times, the time it takes to fall asleep, and insomnia symptoms. Insomnia is defined as experiencing sleep disturbances three or more times a week and daytime sleepiness symptoms for more than three months.
According to the analysis, for every additional hour of screen time before bed, the risk of insomnia increased by 59%, and total sleep time decreased by an average of 24 minutes. The researchers concluded that electronic devices did not have a stimulating effect but replaced rest time.
The researchers explained that the type of screen activity did not affect sleep quality. They stated that all screen activities, such as social media, watching movies, and browsing the internet, had a similar negative impact.
Dr. Hjetland advised that it’s best to stop using screens at least 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime. He added that turning off notification features can also help reduce sleep disturbances if you must use them.
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