The effects of nocturnal social media use on sleep hygiene in young adults

Abstract

Social media is used globally by any individual regardless of their age and it is easily accessible to communicate with others through technological devices. Young adults use such devices to communicate throughout the day and at their place of work. However, excessive use of social media specifically at nighttime impacts the wellbeing of those young adults and their mental health in terms of sleep hygiene. Several studies identified a correlation between the two variables, that is effects of social media use and sleep hygiene. However, not enough research was done, both international and local. Thus, by using a PEO format a research question was created: how does nocturnal social media use affect sleep hygiene in young adults? The inclusion criteria contained peer-reviewed studies published in English and within the last 10 years. Also including individuals within the range between 16 to 35 years of age, and the effects of social media in sleep hygiene on the quality of life and mental health. Whereas the exclusion criteria eliminated studies older than 10 years and individuals who were not younger than 16 and not older than 35 years of age. The current systematic search found two systematic literature reviews and four cross-sectional studies, which were analysed and critiqued by using the Critical Appraisal Tools (CASP) and the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). The retrieved studies showed that nocturnal social media use has its disadvantages, where poor sleep quality and inadequate sleep time leads to psychological instability such as anxiety and depression. The advantages were that young adults suffering with mental illnesses serve them as a bridge to communicate with peers and relatives. Several authors recommend alternative solutions through programs by raising awareness to decrease the amount of social media use, however further research is required in this area.