Research on the Sensory Compensation Paradox Effect of Digital Sleep Aid

Abstract

Sleep disorders have become a global health issue, and a large number of insomniacs try to use digital media for sensory compensation to help them sleep. However, there may be risks inherent in such behaviors and a contradiction between their actual effects and their intended purpose. This study focuses on the use of digital media to help insomniacs sleep and aims to explore the 'sensory compensation paradox', i.e., the use of digital media aimed at compensating for sensory disturbances and facilitating sleep, but instead leads to risky alienation. The study adopts a mixed research method. Data on media use and sleep status of the insomnia groups were collected through questionnaires. At the same time, text mining and sentiment analysis were conducted on the massive user comments of sleep-help videos on social media platforms to gain an in-depth understanding of users' behavioral patterns and subjective experiences. The study found a significant paradoxical effect: the more frequently insomniacs used and relied on digital media to help them sleep, the worse their sensory health and sleep problems became. There is an interaction between insomnia symptoms and media dependence, with those who experience both being more likely to suffer from the side effects of media-induced sleep. Research reveals the potential risks of digitally mediated sleep aids, warning of the need to rationalize their effects and seek healthier ways to improve sleep.