Screen staring steals sleep

Young adults are struggling to find a balance between interacting with technology and spending much-needed time in their double beds, research has found. Excessive use of your mobile or computer can leave you with sleep disorders, stress and even depression, a study of 4,100 Swedish men and women aged 20 to 24 has found. When participants were examined over the course of a year, researchers found a connection between computer use and mental issues. Sara Thomee, the study's lead author, said: "High quantitative use was a central link between computer use and stress, sleep disturbances, and depression, described by the young adults." Ms Thomee, who carried out the study alongside a team from the University of Gothenburg, explained that it is easy to spend more time than planned on a computer, and this can lead to time pressure and subsequent failure to carry out other activities. Also, personal needs can be neglected, such as socialising, exercising and sleeping. The study's author went on to say: "Often using the computer late at night (and consequently losing sleep) was a prospective risk factor for stress and sleep disturbances, including reduced performance, in both sexes." In conclusion, the team advised people to limit the time spent using a computer or mobile to avoid sleep disorders and other issues.