Abstract

Objective: To determine the influence of screen time on the sleep quality and health of university students.
Methodology: This cross-sectional study utilized Pittsburg sleep quality index and HELENA questionnaire from the students18-25 year old at NUR International University. Sample size was taken as 200 and collected by convenient sampling technique. Exclusion criteria were students who were doing the job, those suffering from any neurological disorder, who were taking any kind of medication and special students with any kind of disability. Statistical Analysis was done by using SPSS 20.
Results: Out of 200 students, 35% were males and 65% females. 90% used mobile phones, 9.5% used a laptop and 0.5% used computer or tablet. 67.5% of the participants agreed that high screen time was linked with greater consumption of energy dense micronutrient poor products and lower consumption of fruits and vegetables. 14.5% strongly agreed, 16% disagreed and 2% strongly disagreed.
Conclusion: Almost 50% of students have been found spending more time on screen rather than doing something effective. Use of large screen time reduces the physical activity of adults and teenagers, which leads to increased weight gain. The use of greater screen time also developed unhealthy dietary habits.

Key words: Health, screen time, sleep quality, sleep-wake cycle.