Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 11, 2026

Manipulation of Epileptiform Electrocorticograms ECoGs and Sleep in Rats and Mice by Acupuncture
Published on: December 22, 2016
Evaluation of Nighttime Media Use and Sleep Patterns in First-semester College Students
Jonathon Whipps1, Mark Byra2, Kenneth G Gerow3
1Translational Biomedical Sciences, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA.
Objective:
We evaluated how nighttime media use is associated with sleep behaviors in firstsemester college students, and variation by weight status.
Methods:
In September 2016, first-semester college students (N = 114) completed surveys evaluating nighttime media usage (NMU) and sleep behaviors. Height, weight, and waist circumference were measured, and weight status was determined by body mass index.
Results:
Students reported a mean sleep duration of 7.26 ± 0.93 hours. Only 33% (N = 38) reported sleeping at least 8 hours/night on average. Higher scores on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were correlated with reports of texting after bed (r = .199, p = .04). Total time in bed was correlated with texting in bed (r = .217, p = .026) and device-related sleep interruptions (r = .215, p = .028). Social media usage (r = 0.270, p = .005), mobile gaming (r = .208, p = .033), and texting (r = .293, p = .002) were correlated with sleep interruptions. NMU was positively correlated with weight and weight status.
Conclusions:
These results suggest NMU is associated with reduced sleep quality.
Related Concept Videos
Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
Student t Distribution
The Student t distribution was developed by William S. Goset (1876–1937) of the...
Microsoft Excel: Student's t-Test
To conduct a t-test in Excel, use the T.TEST function or the "Data...
Stages of Sleep
Before sleep begins, in wakefulness, the brain exhibits primarily beta waves, which are high in frequency and low in amplitude, indicating alertness...
Comparing Experimental Results: Student's t-Test
Understanding Sleep
The circadian rhythm, a nearly 24-hour cycle, is deeply influenced by environmental light cues. Light exposure directly affects the hypothalamus, which in turn regulates...

