Videoconferencing and Sleep Quality in Slovenian University Students: Is There a Mediating Role of Zoom Fatigue?

Abstract

Given the expanding utilisation of technology in educational settings, online learning has become a common teaching method. It prevailed during the Covid-19 pandemic, but the effects of attending videoconferences with active participation on psychological functioning have not yet been studied in detail. This article aimed to evaluate the relationship between videoconferencing and sleep quality – one of the crucial mechanisms promoting physical and mental well-being. Additionally, we were interested in the potential mediating role of videoconferencing fatigue in this relationship. The survey took place during the Covid-19 epidemic (in Spring 2021). Our results show a negative relationship between videoconferencing/screen device use and sleep quality and that this relationship is mediated by videoconferencing fatigue. Results of the further analysis revealed that perceived study suitability plays a significant role in determining to what extent the duration of videoconferences relates to feelings of videoconferencing fatigue. Our findings aid in understanding the relationships between videoconferencing, Zoom fatigue, and sleep better. They may be helpful in optimising remote learning today, as they remain frequently used in higher education worldwide.