Yes, screen time can affect Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep, which is a deep sleep stage in which the body restores and regenerates itself. During REM sleep, the brain is highly active and dreams are experienced.
Research has found that the blue light emitted by electronic devices can interfere with normal sleep patterns. Exposure to blue light from screens during the evening disrupts the body’s natural circadian rhythm and melatonin production, which can lead to difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. The presence of electronic devices in the bedroom can also be a distraction, leading to restlessness and insomnia.
In addition, excessive screen time has been linked to an increase in stress hormones, which can also disrupt sleep. Research has found that adolescents who spend more than two hours a day on electronic devices have higher levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, in the evening. This can lead to difficulty falling asleep and can reduce overall sleep quality.
Finally, screen time can affect REM sleep in other ways. For example, research has shown that spending too much time on electronic devices can lead to higher levels of anxiety and depression, both of which can interfere with normal sleep patterns. People who are anxious or depressed tend to have more difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep, and they often experience more fragmented sleep, including fewer episodes of REM sleep.
In conclusion, screen time can have a significant impact on REM sleep. Exposure to blue light can disrupt the body’s natural circadian rhythms, and the presence of electronic devices in the bedroom can be a distraction. In addition, excessive screen time has been linked to increased stress hormones and higher levels of anxiety and depression, both of which can interfere with normal sleep patterns.