Why endless scrolling and oversleeping might signal hidden emotional distress

People facing turbulent emotions often turn to habits like oversleeping, excessive screen time, or overworking to escape uncomfortable feelings, according to a report by the mental health organisation Amaha. Published on October 10, 2026, the report shows that 82.7 percent of respondents starting care reported such avoidant coping behaviours. Meanwhile, 43 percent mentioned resorting to strategies like exercise or journaling. Many individuals delayed getting professional help, with 53 percent living with their concerns for over a year before seeking medical care. Those who described themselves as stressed were later diagnosed with depression, and some experienced thoughts of self-harm. Dr Amit Malik, founder and CEO of Amaha Health, explained the appeal of temporary relief. Scrolling distracts from worry, staying in bed postpones an overwhelming day, and work provides a sense of control when life feels uncertain. However, leaving underlying issues unaddressed causes these problems to worsen.

Warning Signs

Warning signs include repeatedly intending to stop scrolling but continuing late into the night, spending more time in bed while withdrawing from people, or feeling unable to stop working even when relationships suffer. To identify the behaviour, Dr Malik suggested asking whether the activity helps you deal with your day or simply puts something off.

Context

Experts stress that temporary relief does not solve emotional distress, and avoiding underlying issues can trap people in unhealthy cycles. However, context matters because long hours or increased sleep can also stem from financial pressure, medication, or sleep disorders rather than just avoidance. Professional help is recommended if distress persists or daily life suffers.