Publication:

Effect of screen time use and digital technology on sleep pattern in Lebanese college students

Background Communication technologies are tremendously expanding and disturbing our lifestyles, especially those of adolescents. Their misuse has been associated with negative consequences for sleep quality and school performance. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between times spent using a device with a screen, the quality of sleep, and the associated factors.

Methods 657 students were enrolled from 22 secondary colleges in greater Beirut (Lebanon) to participate in a cross-sectional descriptive observational study. The questionnaire was focused on the time spent on digital screens, lifestyle habits, sleep schedule, biometrics, and family data. SPSS 24 was used to analyse descriptive statistics, correlation and variance analysis.

Results 90% of students possess at least one screen in their bedroom. Mostly during weekdays, spending more than 4 hours daily in front of screens decreased duration and quality of sleep as well as the daytime fatigue, delayed bed time and increased low grades (p<0.05). This was significantly associated with having a screen device in the bedroom, using a screen before falling asleep, living in rich neighborhoods with a high family income, a divorced couple, and no extra-scholar sport. The average sleep duration of students was 6 hours 58 minutes during the week and 8 hours 55 minutes during the weekend trying to recover from sleep deprivation.

Conclusions The quality of sleep worsens with increasing levels of screen use. It is becoming imperative to develop prevention campaigns within colleges, and to foster rational use of screens that honors sleep hygiene.