A new study published in JAMA Network Open by Katz et al. has explored how nighttime smartphone use relates to next-day suicidal thoughts, revealing that the timing and nature of use matter more than total duration. The research, which combined ecological surveys and passive smartphone data from individuals with a recent history of suicidal ideation, found that nighttime phone use was not inherently harmful. Instead, its impact varied based on when and how individuals engaged with their devices. Late-night use—especially during hours close to sleep onset—was linked to heightened vulnerability and a higher likelihood of next-day suicidal thoughts, while middle-of-the-night engagement appeared to offer protective effects for some individuals.

The study’s findings highlight that digital beha

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