Raj Patil
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
With smartphones glowing past midnight and anxiety levels soaring, an overwhelming 93% of Gen Z youth admit to sacrificing sleep for social media. Scrolling late into the night, replying to messages, or simply lying awake with racing thoughts has become the new normal for many.
In fact, many youngsters find themselves awake until 2 or 3 am, unable to escape the digital world and the pressures of modern life. This delay in sleep, caused by social media or the need to escape daily stress, has become a widespread issue. Sleep, once a simple daily necessity, is now being pushed aside by glowing screens, academic pressure, and emotional stress. On average, young people are getting only 3 to 4 hours of sleep a night far less than the recommended 8 to 10 hours for a healthy mind and body. Experts warn that this growing sleep deprivation is no longer just a personal issue it has turned into a serious health concern, affecting both physical and mental well-being. In a world racing to stay connected, it’s time to pause and give the next generation the chance to rest. Because without proper sleep, even dreams can’t survive.
What’s the way forward?
Health professionals recommend open discussions on sleep hygiene at home and in schools. They encourage evening digital detox, balanced routines, and safe spaces for youth to share their struggles. Adults must also lead by setting healthy boundaries with technology.
Experts cite four key causes of this crisis:
• Digital Overload: Screen time at night disrupts melatonin, the sleep hormone.
• Performance Pressure: Academic and career stress overstimulates young minds.
• Emotional Turmoil: FOMO, social comparisons, and anxiety fuel mental unrest.
• Erratic Habits: Irregular routines, binge-watching, and poor diet disrupt sleep cycles.
Sleep feels distant
“I didn’t sleep until 2 am last night. That’s the only time I get for myself to do digital things. Most of the Gen Zs are in the same boat, with only that time to themselves. Sleep isn’t just about shutting your eyes; it’s about finding mental peace. But our thoughts won’t stop. It’s like we’re trapped in noise we can’t escape. It’s exhausting.”
— Pratik Manjule
“Rest Is Strength”
“I see too many young minds collapsing under pressure. We need to guide them with empathy, not criticism. When we treat rest as strength not laziness we give them permission to pause, reset, and truly heal. Only then can they grow with focus and purpose.”
— Neha Ranawat, Psychological Counsellor