To study the usage pattern of mobile phones and its impact on sleep and social behaviour in adolescents

Abstract

Objective: A disturbing phenomenon in modern youths is the excessive use of mobile phones which have become indispensable as communication and entertainment tools. The impact of increased mobile use on behavioral factors like quality of sleep, attention span, inclination to socialize etc. is an unexplored area. These factors are an important component of the individual's quality of life and are likely to be negatively affected by the incessant usage of these devices. Method: The study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital on 100 students by administering a questionnaire regarding mobile phone usage, behavioral and sleep patterns. Results: We observed that a major factor responsible for overuse were the cheap, unlimited calls & sms packages. Majority of the students preferred to use their phone rather than engaging in physical activity, socializing or studying. A significant number also reported checking their phones during classes and getting distracted. Daytime sleepiness was seen in 45% of the students which significantly correlated with incidence of nighttime disturbance due to incoming calls and messages. Many subjects also followed hazardous practices like talking with a low battery phone and while being charged. Spasm in the thumb and tingling around the ear, signifying overuse were also observed. Conclusion: Our findings highlight the negative effects of excessive mobile use which are likely to have a significantly deleterious effect on sleep and social behavior during the crucial adolescent years.