Texting in your sleep is a growing issue, according to a new study
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TAMPA, Fla. (FOX 13) - Texting while sleeping is real issue, according to a new study.
According to a new report, published in the Journal of American College Health, there is a rise in sleep-texting. Researchers from Villanova University surveyed more than 300 college students, and discovered 25 percent are sending midnight messages subconsciously.
“The majority of the sleep texting students had no memory of the texting behavior as well as who or what they texted,” says lead study author Elizabeth Dowdell. “The lack of memory is not surprising as sleep research has found that people awakened after sleeping more than a few minutes are usually unable to recall the last few minutes before they fall asleep.”
Most of the sleep-texters don’t remember doing it, which can lead to embarrassing moments. Experts recommend making your bedroom a no-phone zone to reduce the risk of any unwanted text conversation.
One student in the study recommended wearing mittens to bed every night to prevent texting since “moving the phone from being in my bed to next to the bed is not an option, I have to keep my phone with me.”
Researchers said the findings confirm the typical sleeping patterns among college students, who are usually partially-sleep deprived during the week, but try to catch up on much-needed rest on the weekends. Older college students or young adults who sleep text say that most of their messages are “gibberish,” according to the findings.
The study notes sleep texting among college students suggest that the messages are more embarrassing than dangerous. Those who do this are likely not part of the workforce where they interact with clients, superiors or other employees.