Can limiting bedtime smartphone use improve next-day working memory among undergraduates with problematic smartphone use?

This study implemented a longitudinal self-control intervention experiment to examine whether limiting bedtime smartphone use can improve next-day working memory among individuals with problematic smartphone use (PSU). 156 Chinese undergraduates with PSU completed the 6-day experiment (3 nights for intervention condition and 2 nights for control condition). All participants were asked to complete N-back tests in the afternoon everyday during the experiment. The results indicated that limiting smartphone use in bed improved next-day working memory. Therefore, limiting smartphone use in bed is a potential remedy for daily cognitive impairments induced by PSU.

Automated summary

This study used a longitudinal self-control intervention experiment to investigate the impact of limiting bedtime smartphone use on the next-day working memory of individuals with problematic smartphone use. The experiment involved 156 Chinese undergraduates with problematic smartphone use who completed a 6-day experiment. The results showed that limiting smartphone use in bed improved next-day working memory. Therefore, limiting smartphone use in bed could potentially help alleviate daily cognitive impairments caused by problematic smartphone use.