Poor screen habits are a key factor behind the terrible sleep and mental health of youngsters, says research

A University of Copenhagen study mapped 29 connected factors and 175 causal links around screen habits, sleep, and mental health in young adults.

Excessive late-night screen use can worsen sleep, increase loneliness and depressive symptoms, and even encourage unhealthy eating.

The findings suggest screen use is part of a broader feedback loop, not a simple one-way cause of poor well-being.

That means advice like “use phones less” may be too narrow unless it also addresses sleep, mood, and daily habits.