Association Between Mobile Screen Exposure And Disturbed Circadian Rhythms

Circadian rhythms are endogenous biological cycles that regulate vital physiological and behavioral processes such as the sleep–wake cycle, hormone secretion, metabolism, and cognitive performance. Light exposure, particularly blue-wavelength light, plays a crucial role in synchronizing these rhythms with the external environment. In recent years, the widespread use of smartphones has led to increased exposure to artificial light, especially during evening and nighttime hours, raising concerns about its potential impact on circadian regulation and sleep health. The present study aims to assess the association between mobile screen exposure and disturbed circadian rhythms among individuals aged 15–50 years residing in Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh. A cross-sectional observational study design will be employed, using a structured questionnaire administered through Google Forms. The survey will collect information on demographic characteristics, patterns of mobile phone usage (including duration, timing, and type of content), and indicators of sleep quality and circadian rhythm disruption such as sleep latency, sleep duration, nighttime awakenings, and morning alertness. Convenience sampling will be used to recruit participants, and data will be analysed. It is hypothesized that prolonged mobile screen exposure, particularly during nighttime hours, will be significantly associated with increased sleep latency, reduced total sleep duration, and poorer overall sleep quality, reflecting disturbed circadian rhythms. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to a better understanding of how modern digital behaviors influence biological rhythms in the Indian context. This research may provide valuable insights for developing public health recommendations, promoting healthy digital habits, and improving sleep hygiene among adolescents and adults.