Screen Time Linked to Sleep Disorders: Ranchi Experts Warn of Digital Age Insomnia

Ranchi: For 38-year-old Sanchi Singh, a good night’s rest now comes from chemical dependency. Reliant on melatonin supplements to catch even a few hours of shut-eye, Singh’s search for answers led her to a psychiatrist’s chamber, where she found that her newly developed insomnia was a direct fallout of excessive screen time, particularly in the high-stakes hours before bed.

Medical experts in the state capital are sounding the alarm, noting that sleeping disorders are now inextricably linked to digital consumption. The correlation is simple yet devastating, the more time spent tethered to a screen, the higher the frequency of sleep disorders.

Explaining the biological disruption, Dr Ajay Kumar Bakhla, Head of the Department of Psychiatry at Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) said, "The bright light emitted from gadgets significantly reduces the probability of falling asleep. Our brain produces the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin when it is dark. When a person stares at a screen, the brain receives a false signal that it is daytime, thereby stifling melatonin production."

Dr Bakhla noted that it isn't just the light, but the nature of the content that acts as a stimulant. "Screen time involves mostly interactive content. Engaging with social media or television keeps the brain active, alert, and excited, making the transition to sleep incredibly difficult," he added.

Corroborating these views, Dr Amool Ranjan, Professor of Clinical Psychology at the Ranchi Institute of Neuro-Psychiatry & Allied Sciences (RINPAS), pointed out that the erosion of traditional sleep hygiene is a primary culprit.

"Modern habits have significantly diluted the purpose of the bed," Dr Ranjan observed. "Once a sanctuary reserved exclusively for rest, the bed has morphed into a multi-functional hub for meals, office work, and endless scrolling. This lack of demarcation means that when the lights finally go out, the brain no longer reflexively associates the bed with sleep, resulting in constant mental alertness rather than relaxation," he said.

According to Dr Ranjan, a staggering 60 to 70% of patients now report sleep-related issues, with the majority tracing back to screen habits. “Lack of good sleep often leads to chronic stress, fatigue, and a diminished ability to concentrate or enjoy daily life,” he said.

The crisis is no longer individual but has transformed into a collective family struggle. Children, observing their parents’ digital habits, are increasingly mirroring these behaviours, leading to a decline in meaningful social interaction.

Dr Aman Shaba, Consultant Psychiatrist, warned that screen exposure sends deceptive daylight signals to a child’s developing brain, preventing them from reaching stages of deep, restorative sleep. "This lack of rest often manifests as behavioural symptoms like irritability, aggression, and poor concentration. In certain cases, it can even contribute to Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)," he said.

Dr. Shaba emphasised that since children naturally emulate their parents, adults must lead by example. "Parents should avoid using phones as a tool to distract younger children. Instead, they must implement strict screen time limits, establish fixed bedtimes, and ensure all digital devices are kept out of the bedroom at night," he advised.

To reclaim the bed’s original purpose, Dr Ranjan suggested a return to basics, physically distancing from gadgets and reintroducing intentional pre-sleep rituals such as the traditional practice of washing and mental preparation to signal the body that the day has officially ended.


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