Nearly half of teens are losing critical sleep to phone use after midnight

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NEW YORK: Nearly half of teenagers are losing vital sleep because of smartphone use after midnight, according to a significant new study. The research highlights that 47% of adolescents are active on their devices on school nights, resulting in a ‘sleep deficit’ in which many average only 6 hours of rest per night. This figure falls dangerously below the eight to ten hours of sleep recommended by health professionals for teenagers.

The study links this habitual late-night scrolling driven primarily by social media and gaming to a sharp decline in academic performance and a surge in mental health issues. Sleep-deprived teens are significantly more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression, and poor concentration in the classroom.

To combat this growing health concern, experts advocate for ‘digital sunsets,’ which involve turning off electronic devices at least one hour before bedtime. They also emphasise the importance of keeping phones out of the bedroom entirely to ensure adolescents receive the restorative rest necessary for their physical and mental well-being.