Doomscrolling Before Bed Oncologist Shares How Late Night Screen Use May Confuse Your Brain

Since most people spend the day busy with work, errands and responsibilities, it may extend bedtime at night in hope of getting some ‘me time,’ whether by binge-watching their favourite shows or curating their dream Pinterest boards. But this repeated late-night screen use can interfere with sleep, mood, focus and overall brain health. ,

HT Lifestyle, in a chat with Dr G.K. Jadhav, senior consultant- radiation oncology at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi, to understand the health implications of late-night screen use.

The doctor believed that screens can actually confuse the brain at night because the brain follows a natural internal clock that is responsible for regulating sleep and wake cycles.

“As evening approaches, the body starts producing melatonin, the hormone that signals it is time to sleep. However, smartphones, laptops and televisions emit blue light, which can interfere with this process and delay the brain’s sleep signals,” Dr Jadhav noted.

To put it simply, your brain behaves as if it is still daytime, and this is not normal or natural. The doctor further flagged that this is not an isolated, scattered habit. This behaviour is now seen across the world, with adults globally setting their bedtime by an hour late due to late-night screen use.

The immediate effects may include feeling tired the next day. Dr Jadhav also drew attention to poor mood, reduced focus, and weaker memory. But when late-night screen use becomes a routine, you may begin to notice yourself becoming more irritable, mentally exhausted, and less able to manage stress. While these are the short-term implications, the long-term implications can be even more concerning, ranging from worsening existing neurological and mental health concerns to disrupting the body's natural sleep-wake cycle.

How can you fix your sleep? The oncologist listed bedtime changes:

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.