Essay Social Media Use and its Effect on Sleep in Post-Graduate Online Distance Learners – Report Writing Assignment Help

Assignment Task:

Abstract

It is no doubt that social media makes us to be able to expose ourselves to latest news and creative ideas. More importantly, we could connect with long-distance friends and family members, and establish social networks by using social media. However, the negative health-related consequences of social media cannot be ignored. As part of the requirements of the course called ‘Qualitative Research Methods’ at Glasgow University, a study was conducted with the topic called ‘How do post-graduate online distance learners perceive the effects of social media on their sleep patterns?’  Three participants from Msc Psychology (distance-learning) involved in a 30 minutes focus group, conducted via Zoom, in which they were asked a series of questions about their social media use and quality of sleep. According to the information, which was provided by participants, it has demonstrated that social media usage before sleep has effects on the quality of sleep. Therefore, the aim of this study is to analyze how post-graduate online distance learners perceive the effect of social media use on their sleep latency.

1 Introduction

1.1 The importance of Sleep 

Healthy sleep makes us to be able to obtain information in the right state of mind throughout the day. Paula L (2012) mentioned that sleep can be considered as an important biological function which is good for physiologic rest and emotional well-being. Sleep plays an important role in modulation of emotional fluctuations and metabolic processes. (Fayaz A.M 2019) In the light of this statement, poor sleep quality might cause problems in related to our physical health and mental health. After reviewing the published scientific studies on sleep and health, the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) announced its new recommendations about ‘recommended durations of sleep’. (National Sleep Foundation 2015) It has been illustrated that adults who are between 26-64 years should have 7-9 hours’ sleep daily. 

1.2 Relationship between Social Media and Sleep 

Jessica C. (2016) has researched the association between social media use and sleep disturbance among young adults. Some highlights were demonstrated within the reports. Firstly, 75% of the research sample experienced disturbance of sleep. Average time spent on social media was about 61 min/day. Additionally, greater social media use related to the sleep disturbance.  Social networking sites dependencies were related to low sleep quality and cognitive function. (Niko X, 2015) People claim that their sleep duration is decreasing due to usage of social media. (Jean M. 2017) According to the above statements, it is obvious that the more one uses social media, the more likely one is to experience poor sleep.