EXPLORING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SCREEN TIME AND SLEEP PATTERN AMONG UNDERGRADUATES IN A PRIVATE UNIVERSITY

Biodun A. Binuyo, Abigail A. Azorondu (PhD), Ocheze Happiness Adesanya, Ramot Omotoyosi Soliu

Abstract


This study examines the relationship between screen time and sleep patterns among undergraduates at Babcock University. Screen time, involving activities such as social media usage, online gaming, web browsing, and video watching, has been linked to adverse sleep effects including delayed sleep onset, reduced sleep duration, and decreased sleep quality. As screen usage becomes integral to the modern undergraduate experience, understanding its impact on sleep is critical. A quantitative survey research design and stratified random sampling technique were employed, using standardized instruments and self-developed questionnaires to gather data from undergraduate students. The findings indicate a consistent negative relationship between screen times and sleep patterns, with a mean score of 1.90. Specifically, the duration of screen time negatively correlates with sleep patterns, showing a mean score of 2.98. Different types of screen activities significantly affect sleep quality and duration, evidenced by a mean score of 3.02. The study also explores potential interventions to promote healthy screen time habits and improve sleep hygiene, highlighting the necessity of addressing excessive screen use, especially before bedtime, to mitigate its disruptive effects on sleep. These disruptions can lead to decreased academic performance and increased stress levels, underlining the importance of promoting overall health and well-being among undergraduates.


Keywords


Screen time, Sleep patterns, Sleep quality, Sleep hygiene, Babcock University, Undergraduates.

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