Many Americans wind down their day with a scroll through the latest headlines, and that nightly habit may be taking a toll on their rest. According to a new survey from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, over one-third (38%) of adults say using their phone or tablet before bed to view news and current events, or “doomscrolling,” makes them sleep slightly or significantly worse, disproportionately affecting younger adults aged 18-24 (46%).
“Internalizing topics that are stressful or worrisome before bed makes it difficult to have the deep, restorative sleep that is imperative to overall health,” said AASM Past President Dr. James Rowley. “Phone use before bed should be limited altogether, but it’s important to also be mindful of the type of content you view near bedtime.”
The AASM recommends that adults get at least seven hours of sleep per night and avoid blue light from handheld electronics 30-60 minutes before bedtime. However, the survey shows that more than one-quarter (26%) of adults prioritize screen time with their phone over getting the recommended amount of sleep each night.
In addition, one-half of adults (50%) report using a screen (TV, smartphone, computer, tablet, e-reader) while in bed every day, while one-third of adults (33%) use a screen while in bed most days or several days a week.
“Americans are turning to screens to unwind and relax before bed, even though it may prevent them from getting the rest they need,” noted Rowley. “Blue light, especially when combined with emotionally charged content, can trick our body clocks into a state of daytime-level alertness, disrupting the circadian rhythm and making it more difficult to achieve high-quality sleep.”
While it’s tempting to keep scrolling, the negative effects of insufficient sleep add up. Missing one night of sleep can lead to decreased cognitive function, trouble concentrating, headaches, and general moodiness. Over time, sleep loss can lead to an increased risk for chronic health conditions including heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and excessive daytime sleepiness.
Adequate sleep duration and quality are vital to overall well-being, which is why it’s important to prioritize healthy habits before bedtime. AASM sleep experts recommend the following tips to establish long-term, healthy sleep habits:
- Turn it off. Power down electronics at least 30 to 60 minutes before bed.
- Keep it out. Place phones in another room when going to bed. For alarms, try a clock instead.
- Implement a routine. Reading, journaling, or a warm shower can help the body relax.
- Silence alerts. If a phone is in the room, turn off notifications to avoid disturbances.
- Set a schedule. Wake up at the same time each day, even on weekends, and go to bed when you feel sleepy at night.
For more information, or to find a local AASM-accredited sleep center, please visit sleepeducation.org. View 2025 AASM Sleep Prioritization Survey results in the AASM newsroom.
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About the Survey
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine commissioned an online survey of 2,007 adults in the U.S. The overall margin of error fell within +/- 2 percentage points with a confidence interval of 95 percent. Fieldwork took place between June 5-13, 2025, by Atomik Research, an independent market research agency.
About the American Academy of Sleep Medicine
Established in 1975, the AASM is a medical association that advances sleep care and enhances sleep health to improve lives. The AASM membership includes more than 9,500 physicians, scientists, and other health care professionals who help people who have sleep disorders. The AASM also accredits 2,300 sleep centers that are providing the highest quality of sleep care across the country.
