Challenging the common narrative that late-night screens inherently destroy teen sleep, I conducted a major research investigation into the complex relationship between technology use and sleep quality in high school students. What began as an interest in neuroscience evolved into a focused, evidence-based study of adolescent rest. With guidance from Dr. Melissa Moore, I conducted a survey of over 400 high school students across Northeast Ohio to better understand this relationship. 

Although it’s commonly believed that screens are inherently harmful to sleep, my findings suggest a more complex reality. The data revealed no strong correlation between screen use before bed and difficulty falling asleep or feeling rested. Instead, the most significant predictor of feeling well-rested was whether students actively prioritized sleep (r = .42, p < 0.05). These results support the emerging bidirectional model of sleep and technology use, which emphasizes the interplay between behavioral habits and rest.

This research, published through the Laurel Center for Research on Girls (LCRG), aims to shift the conversation around teen sleep health toward a more balanced, evidence-based perspective. I hope my work encourages students to build healthier, more sustainable sleep routines that go beyond simply putting away their phones.