Researched on Frontiers of Psychiatry, scientists used data from the 2022 Student Health and Happiness Survey and conducted it with 45,202 university students aged 18-28.
The results show that not only social networks, but all types of screen use from watching movies, reading e-books to playing games have a similar impact on sleep quality.
Insomnia is defined in the study as difficulty sleeping, poor sleep and daytime sleepiness, occurring at least three times a week for three months or more.
Scientists say that using a screen device right before bed can easily disrupt circadian rhythms and affect sleep quality.
According to Dr. Seemab Shaikh, a sleep disorder expert and ENT surgeon (in San Diego, California), blue light from electronic devices is the main cause of sleep disruption.
Green light shines into the retina, activating cells that connect to the center of the brain, thereby obstructing sleep and slowing down the waking time, explains Mr. Shaikh.
This condition can lead to short-term memory loss, irritability, mood swings, and headaches during the day.
A noteworthy point from the study is that there is no significant difference between types of screen-using activities (including watching TV, surfing social networks, reading e-books), all of which can have the same impact. According to researchers, this shows that using screens before bed, regardless of the content or form, is a major factor in disrupting sleep.
To improve sleep quality, researchers recommend stopping using a screen device at least 3060 minutes before going to bed.
Also, turn off the notification in the evening to avoid interruption in the middle of the night. Dr. Shaikh also recommends maintaining a fixed sleep schedule, creating a quiet sleeping environment, and avoiding caffeine or alcohol within six hours of bed.
