Shut Your Eyes in the Dark! Differential Effects of Pre-Bedtime and Pre-Shuteye Media Use on Sleep Delay and Anxiety

Abstract

The pervasive use of digital media before sleep is increasingly recognized as a critical factor affecting sleep and psychological well-being. However, the impact of bedtime media at different stages-specifically, before bedtime and before shuteye-remains unclear. Using data from the United Kingdom Time Use Survey collected between 2016 and 2021, this study analyzes 3,044 diary entries from 1,577 adults aged 18-45, aiming to investigate the relationship between bedtime media use, sleep delay, and anxiety. Results indicate that pre-shuteye media use significantly delays sleep and increases anxiety, while pre-bedtime media use does not delay sleep but is directly associated with reduced anxiety. Notably, as a key mechanism through which digital media use impacts anxiety, both bedtime and shuteye time reflect delayed sleep, with shuteye time playing the primary role. This study contributes to our understanding of shuteye time as a mechanism in media effects, shedding light on the source of anxiety among adults.