A study published in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence has revealed that the use of the internet in the night increases the risk of sleep symptoms and has shown signs of depression in teenagers. University of Basel examined the differences in digital media usage between teenagers with smart phones and those with old fashioned phones.
The study showed that those with smart phones spent more time on the internet in the weekdays than their peers; a ratio of two hours as compared to one. They also indulged in more text writing; 85 messages to 7.
The major difference was found during bed time, where it was noticed, only 17 per cent of smart phone owners switched their devices off. These teenagers tended to watch videos, be online or text with their friends, more often in the night.
It is advised to those who suffer from sleep disorders or severe daytime tiredness to switch their devices off, at least one hour before they go to sleep.
