Social media-related lack of sleep leads to depression

A lack of sleep among teenagers who are spending hours at night on social media can cause depression and anxiety, according to a study.

Scientists measured the sleep quality and social media use of 467 teenagers and found that pressure to be available online 24 hours a day and respond to messages impacted on mental health issues.

Analysis showed that overall and night-time specific social media use, along with emotional investment in social media, were related to poorer sleep quality, lower self-esteem as well as higher anxiety and depression levels.