Association between the pattern of mobile phone use and sleep quality in Northeast China college students

Authors: Jia Meng, Fang Wang, Rentong Chen, Hui Hua, Qian Yang, Dan Yang, Nan Wang, Xin Li, Fangfang Ma, Liting Huang, Zhenzhen Zou, Menglin Li, Tieting Wang, Yannan Luo, Yunda Li, Yang Liu

Year: 2021 Feb 2

Category: Sleep Research

Journal: Sleep Breath

Institution: Medical University in Liaoning Province

DOI: 10.1007/s11325-021-02295-2

URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33532989/

Abstract

Overview

With mobile penetration significantly high amongst college students, this study aims to explore how characteristics of mobile phone usage impact sleep quality.

Methods

  • Timeframe: Data collected from December 2016 to January 2017.
  • Participants: 4234 college students from a medical university in Liaoning Province, achieving a 94% response rate.
  • Tools: Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and standardized questionnaires.
  • Analysis Method: SPSS 21.0 software used for database management and statistical analysis.

Findings

The study revealed high levels of mobile phone possession (100%) among students, with usage for:

  • Entertainment: 91%
  • Work-related purposes: 51%
  • Information gathering: 61%
  • Other purposes: 23%

A significant difference in sleep quality (PSQI scores) was observed between students based on how far they held their phones from their eyes during use:

  • Near eye use (<10 cm) correlated with worse sleep quality compared to those who kept a distance (>10 cm).

    • Further, extensive daily phone use and pre-sleep usage in dark settings were linked to substantially increased risks of poor sleep quality.

    Conclusion

    The study concludes that both cumulative daily use of mobile phones and using them in dark settings just before sleep are harmful to sleep quality amongst college students. Integrated efforts to address these habits could enhance sleep health.

    Promoting awareness regarding the link between mobile phone use characteristics and poor sleep quality is crucial for student health and academic performance.

    mobile phone use sleep quality college students PSQI statistical analysis
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