Gen Z & Sleep
By: Rob Regler
We all know the importance of sleep. Sleep recharges us for the next day, lowers our stress levels, and is an essential part of life. Professionals recommend getting at least 7 hours of sleep, however for some that is easier said than done. While sleep is essential for everyone regardless of age, one age group has been known to have the hardest time sleeping. Generation Z (those born between 1997 and 2012) struggle more than any other age group regarding sleep. Due to the circumstances of the era they were born in, Generation Z faces unique challenges that interfere with their ability to consistently get healthy levels of sleep.
Generation Z is the first generation that was fully digital. While millennials are also a digital generation, many can recall a time in their lives where phones, computers, and other devices were not as prevalent. Generation Z grew up with smartphones, social media, and consistent access to the internet. Because of the ease of access, digital content has seemingly immersed itself in their lives. While devices such as smartphones and tablets create numerous conveniences, they also come with their drawbacks. One in which being their impact on our bodies. For one, blue light exposure from screens suppressed our ability to generate melatonin and thus makes it difficult to fall asleep. Melatonin production allows the body to regulate our sleep- wake cycles and without it, sleep becomes increasingly difficult. Because Generation Z consumes the amount of digital media they do, it becomes increasingly difficult for them to fall asleep.
Generation Z is known for their “Always Online” culture. While previous generations disconnected from media at night, Generation Z is known for always being connected. This can create overstimulation that makes it difficult to fall asleep. In addition, when it comes to sleep, having a distinction between daytime and nighttime activities can be key for our minds to know when it is finally time to fall asleep. Consuming media at night makes it difficult for your mind to get into sleep mode and creates difficulties for many. While there are some outliers to this, Generation Z is known for being online no matter what time a day it is.
Sleep is an essential part of life. While media consumption may be part of our culture, we need to know there is a time and place for it. While it is fine to consume media during the day, we need to abstain from overconsuming it before we are trying to sleep. Understanding why and how media impacts our sleep can help us adjust, even if we were born during a digital age. If you are interested in this topic or any of our services, the Southwest Council provides programs and presentations for parents, community members, and schools at no cost to the participants. If you are interested in having a presentation, please feel free to reach out at (856) 794-1011.