Auburn University has conducted a study revealing that the majority of sleep tips shared on TikTok are supported by scientific evidence, catering to the increasing use of social media for health information among younger generations.
The study, to be presented at the SLEEP 2024 meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies in Houston, transcribed 295 sleep tips from the most-viewed TikToks using the tags #sleephacks, #sleephygiene, or #sleeptips on November 15 and 16, 2023. Within these TikToks, 35 unique sleep tips were identified and grouped into seven themes, including calming activities, use of electronics, environmental factors, dietary restrictions and preferences, sleep schedule, and other sleep-related behaviors such as mouth taping.
The study found that 29 out of the 35 sleep tips collected during the two-day period in November were backed by scientific research. These evidence-supported tips covered various aspects of sleep, including breathwork before bed, limiting screen time before bed, sleeping in a cool and dark room, avoiding caffeine before bed, and using magnesium.
Additionally, maintaining consistent bed and wake times was highlighted, alongside other sleep-related behaviors. The comprehensive analysis indicates that these tips are aligned with scientific evidence, providing valuable and accurate information to TikTok users seeking sleep-related advice. This research sheds light on the credibility of sleep tips shared on TikTok, addressing concerns about the reliability and accuracy of health information disseminated on social media platforms.
With the increasing reliance on social media for health-related guidance, the study’s findings offer reassurance that a significant portion of sleep hacks shared on TikTok are supported by scientific evidence. The identification of themes and the subsequent validation of the majority of sleep tips contribute to the understanding of the impact of social media on health information dissemination, particularly in the context of promoting healthy sleep habits among younger demographics.
The dissemination of evidence-supported sleep tips on TikTok not only enhances the accessibility of reliable health information but also underscores the potential for social media platforms to positively influence health behaviors. By presenting scientifically backed sleep tips, TikTok has the opportunity to contribute to the improvement of sleep hygiene and overall well-being among its user base. The study’s findings highlight the potential for social media platforms to serve as effective channels for the widespread dissemination of scientifically sound health information, catering to the evolving information-seeking behaviors of younger generations.
The study’s recognition of the alignment between TikTok sleep tips and scientific evidence serves as a notable endorsement of the platform’s potential as a source of accurate health information. It highlights the platform’s capacity to engage and inform a younger audience with scientifically validated content, fostering a positive influence on their health-related decision-making.
This reassurance regarding the credibility of sleep tips shared on TikTok may encourage users to seek and implement evidence-based strategies for improving their sleep quality and overall well-being. However, the study also identified six sleep tips that were unsupported by scientific evidence. While these unsupported tips represent a minority among the sampled content, their presence underscores the importance of critical evaluation when consuming health information on social media.
It is essential for users to exercise discernment and verify the validity of health-related advice, particularly in an environment where information dissemination is rapid and widespread. As social media continues to play a significant role in health education, promoting awareness and understanding of evidence-based practices remains essential to safeguarding the public’s health.
