Screen time in bed linked to worse sleep, study finds

A recent study has revealed that spending time on screens while in bed is linked to poorer sleep quality. Conducted in Norway, the research surveyed over 45,000 students and found that each additional hour spent looking at screens before bedtime was associated with a 63% increase in the risk of insomnia and a loss of about 24 minutes of sleep. However, the researchers clarified that they only established a correlation between screen time and sleep issues, not a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Experts recommend that individuals should consider putting their phones down before going to sleep, engaging in relaxing activities, and establishing a consistent bedtime routine to enhance sleep quality. The study, which focused on students aged 18 to 28, aimed to explore the relationship between screen time in bed and sleep patterns. Additionally, the researchers sought to understand the effects of social media use compared to other screen activities on sleep. Dr. Gunnhild Johnsen Hjetland, the lead author of the study, noted that the type of screen activity seemed to have less impact than the overall amount of screen time. He stated, 'We found no significant differences between social media and other screen activities, suggesting that screen use itself is the key factor in sleep disruption. ' The 2022 Norway health and wellbeing survey asked participants if they used any digital media after going to bed, with options including watching films or TV, checking social media, browsing the internet, and gaming. Among those who reported using screens in bed, 69% indicated that they engaged with social media alongside other screen activities. Participants were also asked how many nights a week they used screens before sleep and how often they experienced difficulties falling asleep, staying asleep, waking up early, or feeling tired. Those who reported these issues at least three nights a week for a minimum of three months were classified as experiencing insomnia. While the study identified a link between bedtime screen use and sleep disruption, the researchers emphasized that this does not imply causation. Dr. Hjetland explained, 'This study cannot determine causality — for example, whether screen use causes insomnia or if students with insomnia use screens more. ' They also acknowledged that the reliance on self-reported data could introduce biases, and the findings may not be representative of the global population. Joshua Piper, a sleep clinician at ResMed UK, commented that the study provides valuable evidence of the negative impact of electronic device use on sleep. He remarked, 'It steals both opportunity and the quality of your sleep, which is why some may struggle for onset, others struggle to stay asleep. ' While some individuals may attempt to mitigate the effects of screens by adjusting brightness or using night mode, Mr. Piper noted that previous studies suggest that scrolling and engaging with devices are likely the primary causes of sleep disruptions.