Effect of Screen Time on Sleep Quality of College Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: A growing number of college students are spending more time on electronic devices, with that habit escalating to nighttime use. Late-night smart phone barring is said to interfere with one’s circadian sleep-wake rhythm, leading to insomnia and worsened daytime sleepiness. The primary focus of this study is to examine the correlation between screen time and sleep quality.

Aim & Objectives:

• To assess the average screen time amongst college students
• To evaluate the sleep quality using standardized sleep quality indices
• To determine the correlation between screen time and sleep quality.

Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was carried out amongst undergraduate and postgraduate students with age group of 18-25 years in Lucknow, U.P, India. A total of 512 participants were included in the study and the data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire designed to assess screen time on average, number of hours per day spend on electronic devices (mobile, laptop, TV, etc.) and sleep quality by administered “Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI”) used to measure sleep quality.

Result: The average daily screen time was 7.7± 2.4 hours. About 63%of students had poor sleep quality (PSQI>5). A significant positive correlation (r=0.45. p<0.001) was found between screen time and poor sleep quality. Recreational screen use after 10PM was strongly associated with delayed onset and reduced total sleep duration.

Conclusion: Screen time was shorter before the COVID-19 pandemic in comparison to what is experienced now. Engaging with gadgets/practicing physical disconnection on a digital device may replace time for rest or any activity that can induce relaxation in order to rest. Along with relaxation, social interactions on digital devices are possible but hinder the ability of an individual to sleep due to overstimulation. There are studies showing that light from digital devices negatively affects a person’s sleep and regulates their biological clock. It is essential to dedicate the last hour of an individual's day to calming activities in addition to avoiding the use of these devices. Formed to support the increased use of technological resources, interventions have been developed targeting hexing their usage to restrict their usage.