Losing Sleep Over Social Media

Posted on January 17, 2017

Photo: flickr

Published on the Journal of Youth Studies, researchers found that 20% of teenagers ages 12-15 will lose sleep in order to check their social media accounts. This includes staying up late to check their messages or posts and sacrificing the amount of sleep needed to maintain a healthy mind and body. Of the study's participants, one fifth reported that they would "Almost Always" wake up to log on and check their accounts, of which girls are more likely to do so.

The participants also reported their levels of tiredness during school hours. Turns out, those who constantly checked their social media accounts were three times as likely to report very high levels of tiredness at school. In addition, there is a correlation seen where students who rate high levels of tiredness also report to be significantly less happy compared to youths of the same age.

These results indirectly imply that excess use of social media that cuts into sleep time will have a negative influence on teenagers' happiness and well-being. To change habits, make a conscious effort towards a healthier lifestyle! Keep phones and tables on mute or away from the bedside area.


Source material from Science Daily