The Impact of Late-Night Screen Time on Teen Mental Health: Unveiling the Social Jetlag Connection
Late-night screen time, including social media use, is a primary cause of "social jet lag" among teenagers, increasing their risk of psychological problems, according to a study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders. The study found that screen use before sleep was associated with a later sleep schedule and greater social jet lag, which in turn was linked to higher levels of emotional problems. Adolescents with later sleep schedules also struggled with early social schedules, exacerbating social jet lag and psychological issues. The findings highlight the importance of promoting healthy screen habits and considering adolescents' natural sleep patterns to support their mental health.
