Sleep texting, the phenomenon of sending messages while asleep, is becoming increasingly common among young people. A recent study conducted by Villanova University found that a growing number of teenagers and university students are sending messages via electronic devices in the middle of the night, often without any recollection of doing so.
The study, published in the Journal of American College Health, surveyed 372 boys and found that 25.6% reported sending messages while asleep, with 72% admitting to not remembering doing it. This phenomenon, termed as “technological somnambulism,” is linked to interrupted sleep and can have negative effects on overall health and wellbeing.
Sleep texting not only affects the quality of sleep but also contributes to emotional imbalance, fatigue, and poor concentration. The automatic response to the sounds and vibrations of the phone during light sleep phases can lead to sending nonsensical, embarrassing, or compromising messages without conscious awareness. This can result in unpleasant or confusing situations upon waking up.
In addition to these negative effects, sleep texting can also disrupt the natural sleep cycle and alter the production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates the circadian rhythm and promotes sleep.
To avoid the risks associated with sleep texting, experts recommend limiting cell phone use before going to sleep, turning off or putting the phone in airplane mode, keeping it away from the bed, and using a traditional alarm clock. It is also important to follow good sleep hygiene practices, such as maintaining regular sleep hours, avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine, creating a comfortable and relaxing sleep environment, and engaging in physical activity during the day.