Relationship between cellphone screen time (including social media apps like Whatsapp, Instagram, Facebook) and its effect on sleep quality in medical UG Students

Abstract

Background: Over half of the population in most nations use mobile phones and its use is expanding rapidly. The amount of time spent using a screen-enabled device like a smartphone, computer, television, or video game console is known as screen time. In addition, increased screen time has also been quite prevalent amongst medical students due to the recent trend of screen-based readings and various other reasons. Aims & Objectives: To demonstrate that medical undergraduate students suffer from poor-quality sleep as a result of excessive screen time. Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted among 279 UG (Undergraduate) students of Medical College at Ahmedabad, Gujarat from August 2021 to September 2022. Results: There was a positive correlation between MRSRF(Mobile Related Sleep Risk Factors Questionnaire) factors like “screen usage time”, “time spent on social media”, “duration of mobile use after lights have been turned off”, “keeping mobile phone near pillow/bed while sleeping” and sleep parameters(PSQI components) like daytime dysfunction, sleep disturbance, sleep latency and worsening of subjective sleep quality and this correlation was statistically significant. Conclusion: Total screen time, time spent on social media, duration of mobile use after lights have been turned off, and keeping a mobile phone on the bed and near the pillow while sleeping worsens the quality of sleep and also leads to daytime dysfunction, sleep disturbance, sleep latency, and worsening of subjective sleep quality.