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Doomscrolling: Many people scroll through social media before bedtime. As much as you love to know the latest news, watch videos or refresh your social media feeds endlessly, “doom scrolling” can quietly impact your health. Although it might seem harmless, studies indicate that overuse of screen time before bed can have a negative impact on sleep quality, mental health and even physical health. Here are five side effects of doom scrolling in bed.
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Decreased attention and productivity: Late night scrolling can lead to insufficient sleep which directly impacts concentration and memory. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sleep deprivation affects alertness, decision making and productivity making it more difficult to be focused all day.
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Increased risk for depression: A study in BMC Psychology indicates that using social media for a long time and in problematic ways can lead to increased rates of depression, loneliness and poor emotional health. Over time comparisons with others and repeated exposure to distressing material can have a negative impact on mood.
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Higher levels of anxiety and stress: Excessive exposure to negative news, disturbing videos or emotionally-charged social media content can increase stress levels. According to a study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR) excessive amounts of distressing online information have been linked to greater levels of psychological distress and anxiety especially before going to sleep when the brain should be winding down.
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Eye strain and headaches: Staring at a smartphone display for long hours can cause digital eyestrain. According to the American Optometric Association (AOA) excessive screen time can lead to dry eyes, headaches and blurred vision. When scrolling through social media in the dark the symptoms can be even more pronounced.
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Poor sleep quality: Poor sleep is a major drawback of doomscrolling. The Sleep Foundation states that blue light from smartphones can inhibit melatonin which is a hormone that controls sleep. Using screens before sleep can make it difficult to fall asleep, decrease sleep time and result in low sleep quality the following day. Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for health-related concerns.
