JoVE - Journal of Visualized Experiments
JoVE Visualize
Research Domains
View All

Contact Us

Impact of Screen Time on Sleep and Quality of Life: A Structural Equation Modeling Analysis

  • 1College of Health Sciences, Nursing Department, Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE.
  • 2PAPRSB Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei.
  • 3College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE.
+

|

June 12, 2025

Abstract

OBJECTIVE

We explored Screen Time (ST)'s effects on sleep and quality of life (QOL) in adolescents.

METHODS

Data collected, in February-May 2021, from 2000 students aged 12-19, includes the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and STs on television (TV) (st_tv), TV-linked devices (st_tvd), laptops (st_lap), smartphones (st_smp), and in bed (st_bed), and QOL using the KINDLR questionnaire.

RESULTS

Direct effects of ST on Sleep included st_tv and st_lap on four sleep domains during weekdays; st_tv, st_tvd, and st_lap on three sleep domains during weeknights; st_lap and st_smp on four sleep domains on weekends; and st_bed on all sleep domains, except medication. Direct effects of ST on QOL domains included st_lap on general feeling on weekdays; st_tv on self-esteem, st_tvd on friends and physically, and st_lap on family and physically on weeknights; st_tv on school, st_lap on family, friends, and physical wellbeing, and st_smp and st_bed on all QOL scales on weekends. In overall, st_bed showed the highest effect on QOL, followed by st_smp and st_lap.

CONCLUSIONS

It highlights the need for ST-related campaigns whereby public health nurses, especially school nurses and community nurses, may play a leading role together with parents and teachers to minimize effects on sleep and QoL.

Related Concept Videos

Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation 01:13

134

Insufficient sleep refers to not getting the recommended amount of sleep for optimal functioning, even if it's just slightly less than needed. Sleep insufficiency may occur due to lifestyle choices, such as staying up late for social events or work, resulting in routinely getting less sleep than required. For example, consistently sleeping 6 hours when the body needs 7-9 hours can lead to cumulative effects on health and well-being.
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...

Understanding Sleep 01:11

221

Sleep, an essential biological state, involves significant reductions in physical activity, sensory awareness, and interaction with the environment. This complex physiological process is primarily regulated by specific brain regions, notably the hypothalamus and pons, which govern the sleep-wake cycle or circadian rhythm.
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...

Sleep-Wake Cycles 01:24

1.2K

Sleep is an essential physiological process vital to maintaining overall well-being. The reticular activating system (RAS), a network of neurons in the brainstem, regulates wakefulness and sleep. While it may seem passive, sleep consists of distinct cycles, each with its unique characteristics and functions. Two key sleep phases are non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and  rapid eye movement (REM).
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:

Stage 1  is...

Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep 01:24

161

Substance use disorders involve a pattern of using drugs more extensively than intended and continuing use despite harmful consequences. This includes legal substances like alcohol and nicotine, as well as illegal drugs. These disorders often involve both physical and psychological dependence, reflecting compulsive use of substances that significantly alter thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, contributing to a major public health issue.
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...

Insomnia 01:27

79

Insomnia is a prevalent sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings during the night, and waking up too early without being able to return to sleep. People with insomnia often experience these disruptions at least three nights a week for at least one month. Chronic insomnia, which lasts for at least three months, can lead to increased anxiety, which in turn can worsen sleep difficulties, creating a cycle of sleeplessness and stress.
Multiple factors contribute...

What is an Experiment? 01:12

10.5K

An experiment is a planned activity carried out under controlled conditions. The purpose of an experiment is to investigate the relationship between two variables. When one variable causes change in another, we call the first variable the explanatory or independent variable. The affected variable is called the response or dependent variable. In a randomized experiment, the researcher manipulates values of the explanatory variable and measures the resulting changes in the response variable. The...