Research has shown that spending too much time on social media and becoming emotionally connected to your online presence can lead to “social media-related nightmares.” Flinders University conducted a study involving 595 Iranian adult social media users and found a strong correlation between social media screen time and these types of bad dreams. These nightmares often stem from the stresses and anxieties of online experiences, such as cyberbullying, online hate, or excessive social media use.
To further study this relationship between social media use and nightmares, an international research team created the Social Media Nightmare-Related Scale (SMNS), a 14-item questionnaire. While most social media users did not report experiencing social media-related nightmares, there was a notable link between the intensity of social media use and the occurrence of these dreams. These nightmares are associated with negative mental health outcomes, such as anxiety, depression, and poor sleep quality.
As concerns about the physical and mental health impacts of social media and poor sleep increase, researchers are urging social media users to be more mindful of how they engage with these platforms and the emotions that arise from it. It is suggested that creating a relaxing sleep environment could help combat social media-related nightmares, which are expected to become more common as technology advances. Experts recommend ending screen time at least an hour before bedtime and engaging in activities that help relax the mind, such as reading or tidying up, instead of scrolling on social media.
Experts caution against using social media before bedtime, as these platforms are designed to keep users online and can have a lasting impact on the mind even after logging off. Sleep wellness manager Rachel Beard advised against “doom scrolling,” as it can lead to tiredness, decreased productivity, and a craving for more screen time. Ending screen time an hour before bedtime and engaging in activities that promote relaxation can help improve sleep quality and overall well-being.
The rise of social media-related nightmares calls attention to the importance of understanding the effects of excessive social media use on mental health and sleep patterns. The connection between emotional attachment to online presence and negative dreams highlights the need for more research into the impact of social media on our subconscious. By being more mindful of how we interact with social media and creating a conducive environment for sleep, individuals may be able to reduce the occurrence of these nightmares and improve their overall mental health.
