
Problematic Smartphone Use and its Association with Sleep Disturbances: A Cross-sectional Study
VC01-VC06
Correspondence
Dr. Kamatchinathan Premkumar,
1854, 4th Street, Vasantham Colony, Anna Nagar West, Chennai-600040, Tamil Nadu, India.
E-mail: premmedico.1987@gmail.com
Introduction: The widespread integration of smartphones into daily life has raised concerns about their potential impact on Sleep Quality (SQ). Excessive smartphone use, particularly before bedtime, may contribute to sleep disturbances through prolonged screen exposure, cognitive stimulation and night-time interruptions. Given the critical role of sleep in overall health and wellbeing, understanding the association between problematic smartphone use and sleep disturbances is essential.
Aim: To examine the association between Problematic Mobile Phone Use (PMPU) and SQ among adults, highlighting its potential impact on sleep patterns and overall wellbeing.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Indira Medical College and Hospitals, Tiruvallur, Tamil Nadu, India from January to June 2024. A total of 92 adult participants were included in the study. Problematic Smartphone Use (PSU) was assessed using a modified PMPU Questionnaire, while SQ was evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Correlation analysis, multiple regression and logistic regression were performed to examine relationships and identify predictors of SQ.
Results: A significant positive correlation was observed between PMPU scores and PSQI scores (r=0.61, p-value <0.001). Multiple regression analysis identified the PMPU score as the strongest independent predictor of poor SQ (β=0.512, p-value <0.001), even after controlling for age, gender and mobile phone use duration. The association was strongest among younger participants (18-25 years: r=0.68, p-value <0.001) and slightly more pronounced in females (r=0.65, p-value <0.001). Logistic regression confirmed that each 10-point increase in PMPU score raised the odds of poor SQ by 2.35 times (OR=2.35, 95% CI: 1.62-3.41, p-value <0.001).
Conclusion: This study demonstrates a significant association between PMPU and decreased SQ. Beyond screen time and content, PMPU represents an important factor influencing sleep health.