Study Finds Excessive Screen Time Linked to Poor Sleep and Depression in Girls

New Delhi: A recent study from Sweden’s Karolinska Institute has revealed that prolonged screen time among adolescents may significantly impact their sleep quality and mental health—particularly among girls. The findings, published in PLOS Global Public Health, underline how digital exposure can disrupt various aspects of sleep, leading to an increased risk of depressive symptoms over time.

The longitudinal study tracked 4,810 Swedish students aged 12 to 16 over a one-year period, collecting data at three intervals on screen usage, sleep duration and quality, and symptoms of depression. Researchers observed that excessive screen time predicted noticeable declines in sleep quality within just three months. These disruptions affected both how long adolescents slept and how well they slept, with screen use also shifting sleep schedules to later hours—disrupting the natural sleep-wake cycle.

While the negative impact of screen time was evident in both boys and girls, the pathway to depression differed by gender. In boys, screen time had a more direct connection to depressive symptoms after a year. Among girls, however, the relationship was largely mediated by sleep disturbances. In fact, sleep problems accounted for 38 to 57 percent of the link between screen use and depression in girls.

Lead researcher Dr. Sebastian Hökby explained, “Adolescents who reported longer screen times also developed poorer sleep habits over time. In turn, this led to increased depression levels, especially among girls.”

Though earlier research had suggested a connection between screen time, poor sleep, and mental health concerns, the direction and interplay of these associations were previously unclear. This study helps clarify that disrupted sleep may be a crucial intermediary factor, especially in girls.

Given the growing concerns around adolescent mental health, the researchers advocate for reduced screen time to promote healthier sleep and emotional well-being. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends limiting screen use to less than two hours per day for children aged five and older, a guideline that could serve as a useful benchmark for families navigating the digital habits of teens.