Loneliness Affects Student Sleep More Than Screen Time

Researchers at Oregon State University have discovered that feelings of loneliness significantly impede college students’ ability to achieve restorative sleep, surpassing the effects of excessive screen time. The study revealed that while engaging with screens for 8 to 10 hours daily does correlate with insomnia risk, the emotional toll of loneliness poses a more substantial threat to sleep quality.

“Among the students we studied, increased screen time was indeed linked to symptoms of insomnia,”

stated John Sy, a graduate student involved in the research. “However, loneliness emerged as a more reliable indicator of insomnia.” The findings indicated that approximately 35% of the participants experienced heightened levels of loneliness, making them nearly twice as likely to report clinically significant insomnia symptoms when compared to their more socially connected peers.

The impact of loneliness on sleep is profound, as it amplifies stress sensitivity and encourages rumination, both of which can hinder the ability to fall asleep or maintain uninterrupted slumber. Jessee Dietch, an assistant professor at OSU and co-author of the research, emphasized,

“Insomnia poses serious health risks for college students. It is associated with increased stress, anxiety, and mood disorders, ultimately affecting academic performance.”

Dietch further noted that college students are at a higher risk for insomnia-related issues compared to their non-student counterparts, with global prevalence rates soaring as high as 18.5%.

The researchers advocate for students to limit their screen time as a potential strategy to mitigate insomnia risks. Nonetheless, they strongly suggest that universities prioritize addressing loneliness within their student populations. “We urge university administrators and counselors to treat loneliness as a critical issue before focusing on screen time when tackling insomnia,” Sy remarked. Forming meaningful friendships or romantic partnerships can greatly alleviate loneliness, thereby enhancing sleep quality and overall well-being.

In the inaugural season of MQ Open Mind, Professor Rory O’Connor and Craig Perryman engaged with Dr. Alexandra Pitman to discuss the nuances of loneliness and its distinction from social isolation. Discover more insights here.