What is the right way to explain to a teenager why late-night scrolling disrupts not only sleep but also spiritual health? 

Parenting Perspective 

Link Sleep Deprivation to Wellbeing 

Teenagers often view late-night scrolling as harmless fun. Parents can help them understand the real physical effects by explaining clearly how it overstimulates the brain and reduces sleep quality. Saying, ‘Scrolling at night tricks your brain into staying alert, which is why it can be hard to wake up and you feel so drained the next day,’ makes the link between screens and health feel real. When a teenager understands the science, they are more likely to take the issue seriously. 

Connect Good Sleep to Discipline and Focus 

A parent can also highlight how good sleep is the foundation for success in other areas of life, such as at school or in sports. Explaining, ‘When your body is tired, it is much harder to focus or control your emotions,’ reframes the conversation from one of restriction to one of empowerment and self-care. This shows a teenager that getting proper rest is not just about avoiding harm, but about maximising their own strength and potential. 

Explain the Spiritual Dimension Gently 

Beyond the physical impact, a parent can gently introduce the spiritual dimension. Late-night scrolling often leads to missing Fajr prayer or feeling too sluggish for meaningful worship. This can be framed in a positive and encouraging way: ‘When you get a good night’s sleep, it is so much easier to wake up for Fajr feeling refreshed and ready to connect with Allah.’ This shifts the message from guilt to encouragement. 

Spiritual Insight 

Night as a Divine Gift of Rest 

The Quran describes the night and sleep as divine gifts, designed by Allah Almighty to provide rest and renewal for humanity. Using this time for mindless distraction goes against the natural order and blessing intended for us. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Furqaan (25), Verse 47: 

‘ And it is He (Allah Almighty) Who has designated for you the night as a cover (for respite), and sleep for your rejuvenation; and designated the day for re-energising (the Earth with automated light energy).‘ 

Rest is Necessary for Worship 

The prophetic tradition recognises the importance of physical rest for the quality of our worship. Sincerity and focus (khushu) in prayer are difficult to achieve when the body is exhausted. 

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, 212, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘When one of you becomes drowsy while praying, let him sleep until he knows what he is saying.’ 

Sleep as an Act of Care and Worship 

By showing a teenager that late-night scrolling harms both their physical wellbeing and their spiritual connection, a parent can guide them towards seeing sleep as an important act of self-care and worship. The conversation then becomes less about restriction and more about valuing one’s health, energy, and closeness to Allah Almighty.