Patterns of Bedtime Screen Use and Sleep Quality Among Future Healthcare Professionals: A Cross-Sectional study

Abstract

Background: Bedtime screen use (BSU) has become pervasive among young adults, particularly students in health-related fields. The blue light emitted by devices disrupts circadian rhythms and melatonin secretion, contributing to delayed sleep onset and poor sleep quality. Objective: To determine the prevalence of BSU and its association with sleep quality among medical and paramedical students aged 18–25 years in Puducherry. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from February-April 2025 among 611 medical, dental, nursing, and allied health sciences (AHS) students at a private university in Puducherry. The questionnaire included BSU, and sleep quality [Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)]. Data was analyzed using SPSS v24. Results: BSU was reported in 83.5% of students, with smartphones being the predominant device (91.2%). Common activities included listening to music (28.6%) and watching movies/series (24.1%). Among them, females were more likely to engage in BSU. Students from dental and residing off-campus away from family had three- and eight-times higher odds of BSU, respectively. While medical and AHS students had significantly higher odds of poor sleep quality (AOR=2.10, 95% CI: 1.16–3.81; AOR=1.97, 95% CI: 1.13–3.43). Students residing off-campus away from family were nearly three times more likely to have poor sleep quality. BSU was associated with longer sleep latency, shorter sleep duration, daytime dysfunction, and higher global PSQI scores (p<0.05). Conclusion: BSU is highly prevalent among future healthcare professionals and associated with impaired sleep quality. Interventions promoting screen hygiene and sleep education should be integrated into student wellness programs to mitigate these effects.