Screen Time and Sleep: Why Your Devices Might Be Keeping You Awake

In today’s digital world, screens are everywhere—from smartphones and tablets to TVs and laptops. We use them to work, connect, unwind, and even fall asleep to our favorite shows. But here’s the catch: excessive screen time, especially at night, can seriously disrupt your sleep.

If you’re struggling to fall asleep, stay asleep, or wake up feeling refreshed, your screen habits could be to blame. Let’s break down how screen time affects your sleep—and what you can do to strike a healthy balance.

The Science: How Screens Disrupts Sleep

Your body runs on a natural internal clock called the circadian rhythm, which tells you when to be awake and when to rest. This rhythm is regulated by exposure to light—especially blue light, which is emitted by most screens.

At night, blue light:

• Suppresses melatonin, the hormone that helps you feel sleepy

• Delays the onset of REM sleep, reducing the quality of your rest

• Tricks your brain into thinking it’s still daytime, making it harder to wind down

Even just 30 minutes of screen exposure before bed can shift your internal clock, pushing your sleep schedule later and shortening total sleep time.

Beyond Blue Light: Mental Stimulation

It’s not just the light from screens that interferes with sleep—it’s also what you’re doing on them.

• Social media can trigger emotional responses, like anxiety or comparison

• News apps may increase stress or worry

• Gaming and binge-watching keep your brain alert and overstimulated

• Work emails can activate stress responses that make it hard to relax

The mental stimulation from these activities can make it difficult to transition into a calm, sleep-ready state—even after you’ve turned the screen off.

The Impact: What Poor Screen Habits Can Lead To 

Too much screen time before bed can contribute to:

• Insomnia and trouble falling asleep

• Shortened sleep duration

• Daytime sleepiness and fatigue

• Poor concentration and memory

• Mood changes like irritability and anxiety

Over time, chronic sleep deprivation can impact everything from your immune system to your cardiovascular health.

Tips for Healthier Screen Habits Before Bed

You don’t have to ditch screens altogether—just set some smart boundaries. Here’s how:

1. Set a Screen Curfew

Turn off devices at least 30–60 minutes before bed. Use that time to wind down with non-screen activities like reading, journaling, or light stretching.

2. Use Night Mode or Blue Light Filters

Most devices now have a night mode or blue light filter. These features reduce blue light exposure and may lessen the impact on your sleep hormones.

3. Limit Stimulating Content

Avoid emotionally intense content—like the news or social media arguments—right before bed. Instead, choose calming music, nature sounds, or guided sleep meditations.

4. Create a Screen-Free Bedroom

Charge your phone in another room and invest in an old-fashioned alarm clock. Your bedroom should be a sanctuary for sleep, not a second office or entertainment center.

5. Try a Digital Wind-Down Routine

Establish a nighttime routine that doesn’t involve screens. This could include:

• Drinking herbal tea

• Taking a warm shower

• Doing breathwork or meditation

• Practicing gratitude journaling

Conclusion