The following information is derived from a systematic review conducted by Alonzo and colleagues in 2021, which explores the complex relationships between social media use, sleep quality, and mental health in youth.
Restful sleep is crucial for maintaining both physical and mental well-being, yet insufficient sleep has become a widespread concern in today’s fast-paced, connected world. Sleep loss, defined as sleeping less than the recommended seven to nine hours, and sleep disturbances, which refer to poor sleep quality that impairs daily functioning, are linked to a range of negative outcomes. These include excessive daytime sleepiness, depressed mood, difficulty concentrating, and long-term risks such as chronic disease. For youth, disrupted sleep can have particularly severe consequences, including negative effects on psychosocial health and an increased likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors. The relationship between sleep hygiene and psychological issues appears to be bidirectional, suggesting that poor sleep and emotional and behavioral difficulties in youth are interconnected and warrant further investigation (Alonzo et al.,2021).
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in understanding the effects of social media use on sleep quality and mental health among youth. Social media, defined as internet-based platforms that allow users to exchange and explore content, have become integral to the lives of young people. Studies show that a significant portion of youth, around 60%, report using screens within an hour before bedtime, and about 81% of youth engage with social media regularly. While social media platforms offer benefits, such as promoting healthy behaviors, they also pose risks, including contributing to sedentary behavior, longer sleep latency, and increased rates of depression. Adolescence, a critical period for identity development and peer acceptance, often sees youth sacrificing sleep and mental health in favor of social media engagement (Alonzo et al.,2021).
Despite the growing body of research, the exact nature of the relationship between social media use, sleep quality, and mental health remains unclear. To address this, the systematic review conducted by Alonzo and colleagues explored the connection between active social media use, sleep quality, and common mental health outcomes—such as anxiety, depression, and psychological distress—among youth aged 16-25. The review included 42 studies, comprising 36 cross-sectional studies and six prospective cohort studies.
The review revealed a notable association between excessive social media use and poor mental health outcomes, particularly anxiety, depression, and psychological distress. However, it remains challenging to determine whether prolonged social media use directly contributes to poor mental health or if social media is used as a coping mechanism for pre-existing mental health issues. Longitudinal studies included in the review suggest that poor sleep quality and frequent sleep disturbances may partially explain the link between excessive social media use and poor mental health outcomes. In contrast, cross-sectional studies, due to their design, present more ambiguous and multidirectional effects among these health variables, indicating that social media use can either directly contribute to poorer mental health or do so indirectly through its impact on sleep quality. The review also highlighted that excessive social media use, especially before and after bedtime, correlates with higher levels of depressive symptoms. This supports the idea that frequent social media engagement before sleep may increase cognitive arousal and anxiety, leading to poor sleep quality.
Given the significant public health implications of sleep problems, the findings of this review underscore the need for further research to better understand the directionality and strength of the associations between excessive social media use, poor sleep quality, and negative mental health outcomes in youth.