The Digital Dilemma: Patterns of Screen Time, Sleep Quality, and Mental Health Among Saudi University Students

Background The digital transformation of higher education in Saudi Arabia has coincided with rising mental health concerns among university students. This study examines the complex relationships between screen time patterns, sleep quality, and mental health outcomes among Saudi health sciences students. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study of 102 university students from Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU) using a convenience sampling approach. Participants completed an online questionnaire integrating validated instruments: the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10), alongside comprehensive assessments of screen time behaviors and sleep characteristics. Results Participants averaged 5.2 hours of daily smartphone use, with social media (n = 92, 90%) and academic activities (n = 87, 85%) being primary uses. Clinically significant anxiety symptoms (GAD-7 ≥10) affected 41 participants (40.2%), while moderate to severe depressive symptoms were present in 31 participants (30.4%). Three to four hours of daily social media use was significantly associated with anxiety symptoms (χ² = 6.89, df = 2, N = 102, p = 0.001). Pre-bedtime screen exposure exceeding one hour demonstrated strong correlations with relaxation difficulties (χ² = 12.45, df = 2, N = 102, p < 0.001) and showed associations with depressive symptoms (OR = 2.1-2.3). Social media use was significantly linked to sleep initiation problems (χ² = 6.54, df = 2, N = 102, p = 0.04). Conclusions The findings indicate concerning links between excessive screen time, especially during the evening, and high levels of mental health symptoms among university students. It is important to interpret these results with caution due to the study's limitations. These associations highlight the need for targeted digital wellness interventions, as well as the development of institutional policies and comprehensive support programs within higher education in Saudi Arabia.