Los Angeles, CA. Jun 2026 — A new study from Lifesum, a leading healthy eating app, has revealed that nearly two-thirds of young adults are eating while scrolling TikTok in bed, with research showing that the platform has overtaken stress as the number one reported disruptor of sleep.

Almost two-thirds (60.1%) of Gen Z now snack while using TikTok in the evening — a behavior researchers are calling “TikTok snacking,” where scrolling and eating happen simultaneously, directly impacting sleep quality.

Snack choices were evenly split between sweet (28.8%) and savory (28.9%) foods, suggesting evening eating is driven more by comfort than nutrition.

TikTok overtakes stress as top reported sleep disruptor

When asked which behaviors most disrupt sleep, scrolling TikTok ranked highest (29.5%), ahead of stress and overthinking (19.4%). This suggests digital behavior is increasingly viewed as the most immediate barrier to good sleep.

Lifesum nutritionist Victoria Strandlund said: “Sleep no longer offers a break from the day. Instead, an increasing number of young adults are affected by the trappings of modern life, shaped by screens, stress and constant stimulation. The good news is that small behavioral changes — particularly reducing late-night screen use and being mindful of nutrition — can meaningfully improve sleep quality.”

Sleep, mindfulness, and nutrition

The research highlights the close relationship between sleep, mindfulness, and nutrition — a connection that underpins Lifesum’s new partnership with Calm, the leading mental health company. Together, the companies will explore how their respective strengths and insights across sleep, mindfulness, and nutrition can help create more holistic, connected experiences for users across both platforms.

Pets, stress, and arguments disrupt sleep

Almost half (47.7%) of respondents said sleeping with pets disrupts their sleep, while more than half reported that stress, overthinking, or arguments regularly interfere with rest — including 14.2% almost every night. This suggests bedtime is where emotional processing often competes with rest.

Alcohol and caffeine increasingly disrupting sleep

More than a quarter (25.3%) of respondents said they consume alcohol within three hours of sleep almost every night, while 35.7% do so two to three nights per week. Caffeine was identified by 33.1% as the biggest factor impacting sleep, ahead of alcohol, sugary foods, and heavy meals.

Nearly half scroll social media in bed every night

The study found that almost half (47.9%) of Gen Z and millennials scroll TikTok or other social media in bed every night, with a further 17.6% doing so several nights per week.

Screen avoidance is the leading sleep strategy

Despite widespread usage, 40.7% of respondents said avoiding screens before bed is their primary strategy for improving sleep, followed by adjusting diet or avoiding late-night snacks (21.8%) and mindfulness or meditation (17.1%).

Top foods to support better sleep

Alongside the behavioral findings, Lifesum highlighted a number of foods to support better sleep quality when included as part of evening routines. These foods are associated with key nutrients involved in sleep regulation, relaxation, and circadian rhythm support:

• Oats – may support serotonin production, which plays a role in sleep onset and mood regulation
• Kiwi – contains serotonin and antioxidants, both associated with sleep regulation
• Almonds – rich in magnesium, a mineral linked to improved sleep quality
• Tart cherries – a natural source of melatonin, the hormone that helps regulate the sleep–wake cycle
• Bananas – contain magnesium and potassium, supports muscle relaxation and nervous system function

Experts note that while no single food “solves” sleep issues, combining supportive nutrition with reduced late-night screen exposure and consistent routines may contribute to better overall sleep quality. Meal timing and portion size both matter, and research suggests leaving 2–4 hours between your last meal and bedtime may help support restful sleep.

 

Media Inquiries

Victoria Strandlund, Nutritionist at Lifesum, is available for interviews.

Media contact: Harry Cymbler, Hot Cherry PR, harry@hotcherry.co.uk

About the research

The study was conducted between April-May 2026 by Lifesum, surveying 2,000 Gen Z and millennial respondents to explore the relationship between evening behaviors, digital habits, diet and sleep quality.

About Calm

Calm is a leading consumer mental health company on a mission to support everyone on every step of their mental health journey. Known for its flagship consumer app—ranked #1 in its category with over 180 million downloads and availability in seven languages across around 190 countries—Calm helps people sleep better, stress less, and live more mindfully through content and tools from experts and beloved celebrity voices. Building on this foundation, Calm has created a broader portfolio including Calm Sleep and evidence-based solutions like Calm Health, which is offered through employers, health plans and providers and designed to expand access to mental health and sleep support, boost benefits engagement, and drive positive health outcomes. Today, Calm supports more than 3,500 organizations and reaches over 26 million covered lives through Calm Health. Calm has been recognized as a TIME100 Most Influential Company and one of Fast Company’s Brands That Matter. Learn more at calm.com.

About Lifesum

Lifesum is a leading, global AI-powered nutrition platform that helps people make smarter food choices and build sustainable, long-term habits. From improving focus and energy to managing weight and overall well-being, Lifesum provides personalized meal plans, recipes, and AI tracking tools designed to fit modern lifestyles. Learn more at www.lifesum.com.