#133 - Sleep & Doomscrolling

Matt introduces "doomscrolling," linking compulsive online consumption to worsened sleep and mental health. He tracks social media's rise (1997-2016), noting increased addiction. By 2016, 82% of 12th graders spent six hours daily online, often at sleep's expense. Matt also highlights heightened psychological distress in adolescent girls due to comparison-focused platforms. Noting that "doomscrolling" is tied to FOMO, addiction, and distress, he describes a bidirectional loop: poor sleep drives doomscrolling, intensifying depression, further degrading sleep. Challenging the blue light myth, Matt shows minimal sleep onset delay. And identifies cognitive/emotional arousal and the FOMO-rumination-procrastination cycle as true disruptors. He concludes with practical interventions: usage caps, phone-free bedrooms, and consistent cutoff times. Please note that Matt is not a medical doctor, and none of the content in this podcast should be considered medical advice in any way, shape, or form, nor prescriptive in any way. Clean biological living requires precision. Podcast partner Caraway ’s non-toxic ceramic cookware eliminates deleterious "forever chemicals" for a seamless, slide-off-the-pan cooking experience. Save $190 on sets plus 10% off at Carawayhome.com/mattwalker . Caraway . Non-Toxic kitchenware made modern. This episode is also supported by podcast partner Pique . Their Radiant Skin Duo pairs Sun Goddess Matcha and B·T Fountain to target stress and deep cellular hydration from the inside out. Get 20% off sitewide for life plus an exclusive free holiday bundle at piquelife.com/mattwalker . MUD\WTR is the ultimate coffee alternative that delivers a natural morning pick-me-up without caffeine jitters. Their unique blend of cacao and mushrooms offers a delightful and gentle lift to kickstart your day, as Matt can attest! Plus, now when you head over to mudwtr.com/MattWalker , as a podcast listener, you'll receive a free frother and coconut creamer samples! As always, if you have thoughts or feedback you’d like to share, please reach out to Matt: Matt: Instagram @drmattwalker , X @sleepdiplomat , YouTube:

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#133 - Sleep & Doomscrolling is an episode from The Matt Walker Podcast by Dr. Matt Walker.

This episode is 32:40 long.

This episode was published on Apr 27, 2026.

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