How Does Social Media Use Affect Sleep and Mental Health?: New Study Has Answers

Yu, D. J., Wing, Y. K., Li, T. M. H., & Chan, N. Y. (2024). The impact of social media use on sleep and mental health in youth: A scoping review. Current Psychiatry Reports, 26(1), 104–119.

Introduction

Recent statistics reveal alarmingly high rates of sleep disturbances among adolescents, with nearly 65% reporting inadequate sleep during weekdays and 29% experiencing insomnia symptoms. Similarly, mental health disorders, with an onset frequently occurring during adolescence, affect a significant proportion of youth.

Social media has emerged as a central aspect of modern youth culture, simultaneously fulfilling developmental needs such as identity exploration and social connection while also introducing risks like cyberbullying, fear of missing out (FOMO), and overexposure to inappropriate content. Yu and colleagues review the intricate relationship between social media use (SMU), sleep, and mental health.

Methods

The scoping review synthesized findings from 33 studies published between January 2020 and July 2023. These studies, primarily cross-sectional in design, explored various dimensions of SMU, including duration, timing, problematic use, and emotional investment. Sleep outcomes were assessed through subjective measures such as diaries and validated questionnaires, as well as objective tools like wearable devices. Mental health was primarily evaluated using standardized scales measuring depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and related constructs.

Results

The review revealed significant associations between SMU, sleep disturbances, and mental health problems. Frequent and problematic SMU was consistently linked to later bedtimes, shorter sleep durations, and poorer sleep quality. For example, adolescents engaging in nighttime SMU reported increased sleep-onset latency and daytime sleepiness. Moreover, these sleep disruptions were found to mediate the relationship between SMU and adverse mental health outcomes, including heightened risks for depression and anxiety.

Interestingly, the review also highlighted bidirectional relationships. Adolescents with pre-existing mental health issues were more likely to engage in excessive SMU, suggesting a self-reinforcing cycle. However, some studies noted potential benefits of SMU, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, when social restrictions increased reliance on digital platforms for connection and support.

Discussion

The findings affirm the pervasive influence of SMU on youth sleep and mental health, mediated by behavioral, cognitive, and physiological mechanisms. Nighttime SMU induces hyperarousal, delaying sleep onset and reducing sleep quality. Additionally, exposure to blue light from device screens suppresses melatonin production, further disrupting circadian rhythms. Cognitive factors such as FOMO and social comparison exacerbate these effects, fostering a cycle of poor sleep and psychological distress.

Despite these risks, SMU is not inherently harmful. The review acknowledges its role in providing social support, enhancing self-esteem, and facilitating identity exploration. These benefits underscore the importance of context, content, and moderation in SMU.

Implications for Mentoring Programs

For mentoring programs supporting youth, these findings highlight the need for interventions that address both the risks and opportunities associated with SMU. Mentors can play a pivotal role in educating youth about healthy digital habits, such as limiting screen time before bed and curating positive online interactions. Programs should incorporate psychoeducation on the impact of SMU on sleep and mental health, emphasizing strategies to mitigate FOMO and cyberbullying.

Furthermore, mentors can model balanced SMU behaviors and support adolescents in leveraging digital platforms for constructive purposes, such as academic growth and community engagement. Interventions should also prioritize vulnerable populations, including those with pre-existing mental health or sleep issues, tailoring approaches to their unique needs.

Read full article here