Impact of Smartphone Use on Sleep Quality Among College Students

Smartphone usage has become ubiquitous among college students, raising significant concerns about its impact on sleep quality and overall health.This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between smartphone usage patterns and sleep quality among 44 college students aged 17-28 years at SIBAR, Pune.Data were collected using a structured online questionnaire assessing smartphone usage duration, bedtime usage frequency, primary nighttime activities, sleep duration, sleep latency, and daytime dysfunction.Results revealed that 84.09% of students used smartphones before sleep, with social media being the predominant activity (61.36%).Heavy smartphone users (>6 hours/day) and those who consistently used devices at bedtime showed significantly higher rates of prolonged sleep latency (31.82% taking 31-60 minutes) and daytime dysfunction (68.18%).The study identifies blue light exposure, social media-induced psychological arousal, and disrupted circadian rhythms as key mechanisms underlying these associations.Findings underscore the urgent need for digital hygiene education and targeted interventions to improve sleep quality and academic performance among college students.