Constant Texting Leads to Sleep Deprivation Among Youngsters

Texting causes sleep deprivation among youngsters, a latest study by Washington University researchers.

The study based on 83 first-year undergraduate students found that, youngsters who sent over 100 messages each day had sleeping problems and social burnout. The participants were asked to answer questions such as the number of texts they sent and received every day, their sleeping habits, well-being and academic performance.

The research showed that the more number of messages youngsters sent the more sleep deprived they were. They also said that sending texts was linked to emotional health. However, they also said that the amount of text messages sent depended on the stress levels.

According to the experts, common reasons for disturbed sleep were constant text message notifications. They said that the notifications could pressurize youngsters to reply instantly.

This study found that texting is more common among students who do not speak much. Excessive messaging could also add to existing stress.

"If you're texting a lot, that's actually work. It takes time," lead researcher Karla Murdock said, according to the New York Daily News "If you're feeling overloaded and also texting a lot, the texting might be adding to your burden."

Statistics released by American College Health Association showed that 70 percent of the youngsters admitted to sleeping less than eight hours. About 40 percent of the students said that they got adequate rest only two days in a week.