Sleep Texting, The Habit Of Sending Messages While Sleeping

Illustration (Ketut Subiyanto-Pexels)

JAKARTA - Checking your cellphone when you wake up is a common practice. However, have you ever experienced a moment where many messages you sent to people, but did not feel sent. Especially when viewed from the time it is sent is the time you were sleeping.

This condition is sleep texting, which refers to using a cell phone and sending messages while sleeping.

Medically, sleep texting usually occurs when a person enters the rapid eye movement sleep phase (usually occurs about 70 to 90 minutes after we fall asleep) which does allow people to send instant messages without thinking.

According to research published in the Journal of American College Health, sleep texting is a growing trend among young people today.

Research reveals that this condition occurs when a person responds or sends messages while sleeping.

The notification sound on the phone indicates that there is an incoming message, which will automatically wake up the owner. Instinctively, you will pick up your phone and respond to messages. Unfortunately, you may not be as conscious as you are when you are awake.

The thing to know is that all parts of a person's brain may not be sleeping and be awake at the same time. There may be one part that allows the body to coordinate with movement and you are able to send messages even if it is unclear what they are because you are not completely aware.

This condition can also be called parasomnia, just like when you walk, talk, or even eat while you sleep.

The cause of sleep texting can also come from cellphone addiction and the habit of being active all the time. The average young person can send 60-100 text messages every day and this has become a daily habit.

Dr. Alison Kole, sleep specialist at Summit Medical Group, says that we have become a society so tightly connected with cell phones, in front of constant light, and always being exposed to cell phones that it interferes with sleep.

As a precaution, make sure you don't sleep near your cell phone, for example putting it under a pillow or beside a mattress. As much as possible, sleep away from your cellphone.

Get in the habit of turning off ringtones during sleep. Also, start staying away from your cell phone some time before bed. You can divert your mind from playing on your phone by reading a book or listening to music. This habit can not only prevent sleep texting, but also make sleep better quality.