Looking at a screen before you go to bed can stop you from getting as much sleep as you should. The blue light that comes from your device slows your body from producing what is called melatonin, which helps you to fall asleep. And that means it will take longer for you to snooze.

But can using social media before bed also have an effect on how much sleep you get?

Fear Of Missing Out

For a lot of people, they use social media because they don’t want to miss out on anything that is happening. Social media is their way of staying part of things.

And that can make a difference when you sleep. For example, have you ever woken up and had a quick look at your phone before you try to go to sleep?

Sometimes called FOMO – Fear Of Missing Out – just by looking at your phone, you make your brain more awake. Which makes it harder for you to get back to sleep.

Social Stresses

What you are looking at could make a difference too. If you see something that excites you, or maybe something that upsets you, it could start you thinking about things, and stop you going back to sleep.

It could feel like you can’t do anything about the situation until daytime, which might make you start to worry, or even get stressed or anxious about it. And the more you feel that way, the less likely you are going to be able to get back to sleep.

So, don’t just put the phone down before you go to bed. Turn your social media off too. You’ll get more sleep and feel better as a result. And that means you’ll have more energy and brain power to socialise for real the next day!