Impact of Excessive Screen Time on Sleep Quality and Sleep Disturbances Among Young Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

Excessive screen time, particularly using smartphones, is increasingly recognized as a major contributor to poor sleep quality and daytime sleepiness among young adults. This study investigates the association between smartphone addiction and sleep disturbances in university students.

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 321 university students aged 18-35 from SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre. Participants using digital screens ≥3 h/day for the past 3 months were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV). Sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and smartphone addiction levels were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation, and regression analysis.

Poor sleep quality (PSQI >5) was reported by 61.7% of participants, while 48.1% exhibited excessive daytime sleepiness (ESS >10). High smartphone usage (SAS-SV >40) was significantly associated with poor sleep quality (mean PSQI = 10.5, P < 0.01) and higher daytime sleepiness (mean ESS = 12.1, P < 0.01). A moderate positive correlation was observed between SAS-SV and PSQI scores (r = 0.60) and a weaker correlation with ESS scores (r = 0.45).

Smartphone addiction is significantly associated with impaired sleep quality and increased daytime sleepiness among young adults.