Trading likes for sleepless nights: A lifespan investigation of social media and sleep

Abstract

ObjectivesThe present study sought to examine the association between social media use and sleep and whether the association differed by age. MethodsTotal 3,284 adults (M age = 42.74, SD = 16.72; 48.5% female; 80.8% White) participated in an online study of sleep and health across the lifespan. Sleep quality and duration were assessed using the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Participants reported the total time they spent using social media daily. ResultsGreater social media use was associated with poorer sleep quality (P < .001) and shorter sleep duration (P= .002). Age moderated the relationship between social media use and sleep quality (P= .006), as well as duration (P= .001). The strength of the associations between social media and sleep increased with age. ConclusionThe findings highlight potential adverse sleep outcomes associated with social media use. They also provide preliminary evidence suggesting the need for further exploration of age-related processes involved in social media use and sleep.