From Screens to Sleeplessness: How Digital Stressors Are Linked to Sleep Characteristics in the Russian Population

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Investigating the relationship between digital stressors and sleep characteristics is crucial for developing effective prevention and support strategies amid the challenges of information overload and modern digital engagement. AIM: The work aimed to explore the associations between digital stressors and sleep characteristics (including sleep quality and duration, use of sleep aids, bedtime, and sleep onset latency). METHODS: Data were collected via an online survey on the Yandex.Toloka platform. A total of 1008 respondents, 436 men and 572 women, aged 18 to 80 years (M=38.3; Me=36; SD=11.4) participated. The questionnaire included sleep-related questions and incorporated the Cyberchondria Severity Scale (CSS), the Doomscrolling Scale (DS), and the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS). RESULTS: Data analysis showed that higher levels of digital stressors (cyberchondria, doomscrolling, and social media addiction) were associated with a deterioration in sleep characteristics: decreased sleep quality, increased time to fall asleep, more frequent use of sleep aids, and reduced sleep duration. Younger respondents and women were identified as the most vulnerable groups, whereas men and those with lower levels of digital stressors reported better sleep perceptions. CONCLUSION: The findings highlight the importance of developing digital hygiene strategies, implementing digital literacy education programs, introducing mindful technology use practices, and ensuring support from psychology and medical professionals for comprehensive digital habit management and minimizing their impact on health and psycho-emotional well-being.