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Smartphone usage impacts mental health and sleep patterns
Experts and local governments are examining the psychological and physiological impacts of smartphone usage. Researchers, including Jon Elhai from the University of Toledo and Joseph Bayer from Ohio State University, suggest that while smartphones can assist with daily tasks, improper use can negatively affect mood and mental health. They recommend intentional usage, such as using cognitive games like puzzles or action games to improve brain function, rather than passive scrolling.
Sleep health is also a major concern. The Cleveland Clinic notes that active smartphone use—such as messaging or social media scrolling—before bed can stimulate the brain, delay REM sleep, and disrupt circadian rhythms due to blue light exposure.
In Toyoake, Japan, a voluntary recommendation was introduced in October 2025, encouraging residents to limit leisure screen time to two hours per day to protect sleep and family life. Initial surveys show that while most residents are aware of the rule, only a small percentage have significantly reduced their actual usage, though many report increased awareness of their digital habits.
Entities
Cleveland Clinic · Japan · Jon Elhai · Ohio State University · Toyoake · University of Toledo
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Smartphone usage can worsen mood in healthy individuals depending on how the device is used. notiziedi.it · lecodellitorale.it · canaledieci.it
- [● 3 SOURCES] Certain fast-paced action video games can improve cognitive abilities. notiziedi.it · lecodellitorale.it · canaledieci.it
- [● 3 SOURCES] A 2025 YouGov survey found most adults under the age of 45 wish to reduce their screen time. notiziedi.it · lecodellitorale.it · canaledieci.it
- [● 3 SOURCES] 27.1 percent of respondents reported being more mindful of their device usage. www.braunschweiger-zeitung.de · www.morgenpost.de · www.otz.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] 46.6 percent of respondents use digital devices for at least two hours during leisure time on workdays. www.braunschweiger-zeitung.de · www.morgenpost.de · www.otz.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] 87.6 percent of 1,907 surveyed residents were aware of the recommendation. www.braunschweiger-zeitung.de · www.morgenpost.de · www.otz.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] 5.1 percent of participants reported an actual reduction in screen time. www.braunschweiger-zeitung.de · www.morgenpost.de · www.otz.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] 59.6 percent of respondents use digital devices for at least two hours during leisure time on non-work days. www.braunschweiger-zeitung.de · www.morgenpost.de · www.otz.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] Toyoake City issued a voluntary recommendation in October 2025 to limit leisure digital device use to two hours per day. www.braunschweiger-zeitung.de · www.morgenpost.de · www.otz.de