The Effect of Social Media on the Normal Sleeping Patterns of Adolescents (10-19) in the UK: A Systematic Literature Review

This dissertation explores the impact of social media usage on the normal sleeping patterns of adolescents aged 10 to 19 in the United Kingdom through a systematic literature review. With the increasing prevalence of digital media among young people, concerns have emerged regarding its effect on sleep health—an essential component of adolescent development. The primary objective of this study is to critically analyze existing research on how social media influences sleep behaviors, identify key contributing factors, and evaluate associated mental and physical health outcomes. A systematic review methodology was employed using peer-reviewed studies published between 2014 and 2024. Databases including PubMed, ScienceDirect, and ProQuest were searched using Boolean operators. Ten studies that met specific inclusion criteria—focusing on UK adolescents and measurable sleep-related outcomes—were selected. Thematic analysis was applied to synthesize the findings, and quality assessment was conducted using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tool. The findings revealed five core themes: social media usage patterns (frequency, duration, and nighttime use), its direct impact on sleep quality and duration, resulting psychological and physical health consequences (e.g., anxiety, depression, fatigue), the moderating role of parental and environmental factors, and the effectiveness of awareness and intervention strategies such as digital curfews and school-based programs. The study concludes that excessive and poorly regulated social media use significantly disrupts adolescents’ sleep, posing long-term health risks. Parental involvement, digital literacy education, and policy-level interventions are recommended to mitigate these effects. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies and the role of emerging digital trends in adolescent sleep behavior.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

msc

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

masters

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Wales Trinity Saint David

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Kashem, Abul

• BF Seicoleg
• RA Agweddau cyhoeddus am feddygaeth

Dc Identifier Grantnumber

UWTSD

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.uwtsd.ac.uk:3900