Bedtime Screen Use Linked to 59% Higher Insomnia Risk, Study Finds

Research involving over 45,000 Norwegian students highlights how one hour of screen use in bed reduces sleep by 24 minutes and increases insomnia risk, regardless of activity type.

A study of 45,000 Norwegian university students found that one hour of screen use in bed increases insomnia risk by 59% and reduces sleep duration by an average of 24 minutes.
The type of screen activity, such as social media, gaming, or watching videos, does not significantly influence sleep disruption; total screen time is the primary factor.
Researchers identified time displacement—screen use replacing rest—as the main mechanism behind reduced sleep quality and duration.
Practical recommendations include reducing screen use at least 30–60 minutes before sleep and disabling notifications to minimize disruptions.
While the study underscores the impact of screen use on sleep, it cannot establish causality and calls for further research into physiological mechanisms and broader implications.