Social Media Addiction: High Level Of Sleep Disturbance Linked To Frequent Use Of Social Media, Study Finds

It is a very common scenario for many people to stay up late at night while checking and updating their several social media accounts. But according to a new research, people who have such social media addiction are more likely to have sleep disturbance compared to those who use social media sparingly.

According to Medical News Today, the study was conducted by a team of researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in Pennsylvania with the purpose of learning more about the connection between social media use and sleep disturbances. It involved the study of almost 2,000 Americans aged 19 to 32 -- assessing their daily use of social media as well as the quantity and quality of their sleep.

The research found out that young adults use different forms of social media like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for an average of 61 minutes every day. The most telling part of the study shows that the participants who use social media more frequently in a day are twice more likely to have sleep disturbances compared to those who used social media in a much less manner.

"Difficulty sleeping may lead to increased use of social media, which may in return lead to more problems sleeping," Dr. Brian A. Primack from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine told Medical News Today. "This cycle may be particularly problematic with social media because many forms involve interactive screen time that is stimulating and rewarding and, therefore, potentially detrimental to sleep."

The researchers concluded their study by saying that the correlation between social media addiction and high levels of sleep disturbance has serious implications on a person's health and well-being. NHS shared some of the health problems that can be caused by lack of sleep such as feeling tired, moody and irritable, lack of focus and concentration, and weakened immune system. Hence, all these may eventually lead to certain diseases and infections, development of diabetes and heart disease, weight gain and even infertility.